McLaren adds F3 young guns Dunne and Stenshorne to driver program

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McLaren Racing has announced that it has added F3 chargers Alex Dunne and Matinius Stenshorne to its young driver development program.

Dunne is rapidly rising through the ranks after conquering the 2022 British F4 Championship with Hitech Grand Prix. Last year, the 18-year-old from Offaly, Ireland added a runner-up finish in the GB3 Championship to his resume.

This impressive consistency earned him a coveted seat with Hitech Pulse-Eight for the prestigious Macau Grand Prix in which he finished a remarkable second in the qualifying race.

Born into a rallying family, Stenshorne’s talent shone through in karting, where he conquered multiple international championships. His success translated seamlessly to Formula 4, where he notched three podiums across championships in the UAE, Germany, and Italy.

In 2023, the 18-year-old Norwegian, who is managed by Nicolas Todt’s All Road Management team, took the step up to Formula Regional with a bang. He became the first rookie to win his debut race and went on to become championship runner-up, adding four more victories to his tally throughout the season.

Read also: Alpine junior Pulling claims historic win in British F4

Both Dunne and Stenshorne are making waves in the current FIA Formula 3 Championship. The former races for MP Motorsport, while the latter drives for Hitech Pulse-Eight.

They've wasted no time making their mark this season. Stenshorne claimed a dominant victory in the Australian Sprint Race, showcasing his raw speed. Meanwhile, Dunne didn't wait long to get on the points board, scoring his first points in his second race at the Bahrain International Circuit.

McLaren junior Alex Dunne racing with MP Motorsport in the 2024 FIA F3 Championship.

Launched in 2022, McLaren’s driver development program builds on team papaya’s rich history of nurturing motorsport talent.

Led by F1 Business Operations Director Stephanie Carlin, it provides a comprehensive pathway for promising young drivers to climb the ladder towards Formula 1, IndyCar, or Formula E.

"We’re pleased to announce that Alex and Martinius have joined our Driver Development programme,” commented Carlin.

“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."

Martinius Stenshorne on his way to winning the F3 spirnt event in Melbourne.

It’s an honour to join the McLaren Driver Development programme and I’m looking forward to getting started with the team,” said Dunne.

“McLaren provides the perfect environment for me to develop my skillset as I continue my journey in motorsport. I’m grateful for Zak and Stephanie’s support and I’m excited to meet the rest of the team at MTC."

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

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.