Alex Dunne is facing one ‘challenge’ that could decide whether he fulfils F1 dream in 2026

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Alex Dunne is still facing one hurdle as he looks to secure a spot on the 2026 F1 grid after being released by McLaren ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix.

The Woking-based outfit stunned the paddock in Singapore with their announcement that they would be parting ways with the young Irishman, who has impressed in several FP1 sessions throughout the current term.

Dunne was spotted in conversation with Helmut Marko at a race weekend earlier in the season, leading many to believe that the Red Bull stable will be the team to offer the 19-year-old his next opportunity in the sport.

F1 fans are certain that Dunne will join Racing Bulls next year, but there’s no chance of it happening if he doesn’t secure a crucial aspect that is needed to race Formula 1 cars.

READ MORE: Who is Alex Dunne? The McLaren junior driver’s age, stats and more

Alex Dunne still needs to secure a super licence to achieve his F1 goals next year

In a report from F1 journalist Joe Saward, the paddock insider discussed what Dunne’s next steps in single-seater motorsport may look like, noting that Red Bull have shown “some interest” in the Irishman and that a deal “is possible” but not guaranteed.

Saward goes on to say that Dunne desperately needs to get himself a super licence in order to aid his chances of landing a spot on the grid in a full-time role, or reserve driver role, for the upcoming season.

Failing to do so will mean that he is ineligible to compete in anything further than the FP1 sessions he has taken part in during the current term with McLaren.

Dunne is currently fifth in the Formula 2 standings, but anything less than a top-three finish in the championship at the end of the year will see him fail to meet the criteria.

Arvid Lindblad was approved for a super licence prior to his 18th birthday due to his performances in Formula 3 and the preceding categories, and as reported by Saward, he will “probably” partner Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls next year if Isack Hadjar is given the green light at Red Bull.

With just two rounds and four races left of the 2025 F2 season, Dunne will need to record some top-three finishes, ahead of his championship rivals, to be within a chance of achieving his dream.

To finish, Saward stated that Red Bull won’t make a decision until the end of the F2 season, but “the chances” are that the young Irishman will take another full-time role in F2 whilst serving as a reserve driver to one of the teams within the Red Bull stable.

READ MORE: Four Formula 1 drivers who will now be worried after Alex Dunne is released by McLaren

What’s the criteria for a Formula 1 super licence?

Formula 1 drivers used to need to hold an FIA International Grade A licence, a valid driving licence, and be at least 18 years old at the start of their debut season.

However, the FIA later removed the driving licence requirement mid-way through the 2024 season, introducing an exception that allows 17-year-olds to receive a super licence if they have consistently shown outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater racing.

The rule change came amid speculation about Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli, then 17, who ultimately replaced Lewis Hamilton as George Russell’s teammate at the Silver Arrows for the 2025 season.

To qualify for a Super Licence, drivers must also complete at least 80% of two separate seasons in approved single-seater categories and pass a theory test on the International Sporting Code and F1 Sporting Regulations.

In addition, they must earn a minimum of 40 points from results achieved over the three years preceding their licence application.

A top-three finish in the F2 category would see all three drivers receive 40 points for the feat, guaranteeing a super licence for their future endeavours. However, as the calibre of championships goes down, so does the amount of super licence points.