Formula 3 drivers Dunne and Stenshorne join McLaren Driver Development programme

McLaren have announced that two more drivers are joining their development programme – Alex Dunne and Martinius Stenshorne. Both currently race in Formula 3, Dunne for MP Motorsport and Stenshorne for Hitech Pulse-Eight.

Dunne impressed McLaren when he won the 2022 British F4 Championship with Hitech Grand Prix. The 18-year-old from Ireland also put in an eye-catching performance in Bahrain earlier this year, securing his first F3 points.

Norwegian Stenshorne comes from a rallying background and was a prolific karter in his junior days, and has already tasted victory in F3 with a Sprint race win in Australia.

READ MORE: ‘I want to do it with McLaren’ – F1’s newest winner Lando Norris on loyalty to his team, and taking the fight to Verstappen

McLaren’s Driver Development programme was established in 2022, and funnels young talent towards F1, Formula E and IndyCar.

"We’re pleased to announce that Alex and Martinius have joined our Driver Development programme," said Stephanie Carlin, Director of F1 Business Operations, who runs the programme. "They are both exciting and promising young talents within motorsport, with proven records on track in their respective junior categories including this season’s FIA Formula 3 Championship.

"The entire team is looking forward to welcoming Alex and Martinius to the McLaren family and we’ll be working closely to support their development within our talent pipeline."

McLaren have a history developing and promoting young talent – notably very happy to advance both Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris to F1, with both drivers going straight into the sharp end of the grid.

"It’s an honour to join the McLaren Driver Development programme," said Dunne. "I’m looking forward to getting started with the team. McLaren provides the perfect environment for me to develop my skillset as I continue my journey in motorsport. I’m grateful for Zak [Brown] and Stephanie’s support and I’m excited to meet the rest of the team at MTC."

READ MORE: Stella highlights the ‘important’ lessons McLaren learned from Sochi 2021 after Norris’s breakthrough win

"I’m incredibly excited to join the McLaren Driver Development programme, it’s an honour to now be part of the McLaren family," said Stenshorne.

"The team has a great history of developing talent, so I’m looking forward to growing with the team and learning from their expertise as I continue on my journey towards the top of motorsport. Thank you to Zak, Stephanie and the entire team for their faith in me, I can’t wait to get started."