Alex Dunne Set to Make Formula 1 Debut with McLaren at the Austrian Grand Prix
Alex Dunne, the current leader of the Formula 2 championship, is gearing up for an important milestone in his racing career: he will participate in his first Formula 1 free practice session with McLaren during the Austrian Grand Prix. This opportunity comes as he takes the place of Lando Norris for the FP1 session on Friday, marking a significant step in his progression through the ranks of motorsport.
Rapid Rise Through the Ranks
Dunne, hailing from Ireland, is in his inaugural season in Formula 2, having made the leap from Formula 3. His journey in motorsport has been nothing short of impressive. Last year, he clinched the British Formula 4 championship title, showcasing his talent and potential. Simultaneously, he competed in the Italian Formula 4 series, where he finished as the runner-up to Andrea Kimi Antonelli, another rising star in the world of motorsport.
Following his success in F4, Dunne transitioned to the GB3 Championship, where he again demonstrated his skills by finishing as the runner-up in 2023. His remarkable performances caught the attention of McLaren, leading to his inclusion in the McLaren young driver program in 2024. In addition to his primary role, he also serves as a reserve driver for McLaren’s Formula E team, further expanding his experience in high-level motorsport.
Current Standing in Formula 2
As of now, Dunne is at the top of the Formula 2 championship standings, holding a narrow lead over seasoned driver Richard Verschoor. With two feature race victories under his belt, Dunne has proven himself to be a formidable competitor on the track. Despite facing challenges, including a collision during the Monaco feature race, he quickly rebounded with a strong performance in Barcelona, reclaiming his position at the forefront of the championship.
Preparation for the Formula 1 Debut
Dunne has been diligently preparing for his upcoming F1 debut. He participated in the Testing of Previous Cars program, where he had the opportunity to drive McLaren’s 2023 car at Zandvoort. This experience has proven invaluable, allowing him to familiarize himself with the car’s dynamics and performance characteristics.
“I’ve been preparing well for the sessions, taking part in Testing of Previous Cars tests in the MCL60 and spending time on the simulator, which has been a fantastic learning experience,” Dunne shared. His commitment to preparation reflects his drive to succeed and make the most of this unique opportunity.
Acknowledgment from McLaren
The support from McLaren’s leadership has been instrumental in Dunne’s development as a driver. “Thank you to Zak [Brown], Andrea [Stella], and Alessandro [Alunni Bravi] for their faith in me,” Dunne expressed, highlighting his gratitude for the chance to advance in his career. He views this opportunity as a crucial part of his growth within the McLaren Driver Development Program and is eager to contribute to the team during the race weekend.
Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, expressed enthusiasm about Dunne’s participation in FP1. “It’s great to be able to give Alex the opportunity to run in FP1, and for him to get valuable time behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car as part of his development,” he stated. The team recognizes the significance of rookie sessions, which provide emerging talent a rare chance to drive a current F1 car and gather essential experience.
Contribution to the Team
Dunne’s role during the race weekend will extend beyond just driving the car. He is also expected to provide valuable feedback to the engineering team regarding the car’s setup. This collaborative approach not only benefits Dunne as a driver but also aids McLaren in optimizing the performance of their vehicle.
Stella emphasized the importance of these sessions: “The rookie sessions are fantastic for seeing the talent of tomorrow and enabling that rare chance to get time in a current car, so we look forward to seeing him on track.” This highlights the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent while simultaneously working towards improving their performance on the grid.
Rivals in Formula 2
Dunne is not the only rising star preparing for a significant moment during the Austrian GP weekend. His fellow Formula 2 competitor, Dino Beganovic, who is affiliated with Ferrari, will also participate in the FP1 session, taking Charles Leclerc’s seat. This marks Beganovic’s second appearance in an F1 session, having previously filled in for Leclerc in Bahrain, where he finished 14th in the session’s timing.
As part of new regulations introduced for the 2025 season, every race driver is now required to sit out two rounds, providing opportunities for young talent like Beganovic and Dunne to showcase their skills at the highest level of motorsport.
Looking Ahead
The anticipation surrounding Dunne’s Formula 1 debut is palpable, not only for him but also for fans and the McLaren team. This opportunity represents a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and development through the ranks of motorsport. With the experience gained in Formula 2 and the support from McLaren, Dunne is well-prepared to take on the challenges that come with driving in Formula 1.
As he steps into the cockpit of a Formula 1 car for the first time, the eyes of the motorsport community will be on him, eager to see how he performs against the backdrop of one of the most prestigious racing series in the world. The journey has just begun for Alex Dunne, and this weekend at the Austrian Grand Prix could be a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career as a professional racing driver.
