F2 leader Alex Dunne to drive for McLaren during FP1 in Austria

McLaren have confirmed that Formula 2 standings leader Alex Dunne will take part in Free Practice 1 at the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix.

Dunne, a member of the McLaren Driver Development Programme since May 2024, will get behind the wheel of the MCL39 in the weekend’s opening session in place of Lando Norris to become the first Irish driver to take part in an F1 weekend for 22 years.

The 19-year-old currently races for Rodin Motorsport in F2, as he sits three points ahead of second-placed Richard Verschoor in the standings, while he also serves as Reserve and Development Driver for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.

Dunne began karting at eight years old, and secured his first European karting title in the 2019 WSK Champions Cup OKJ Category. He then made his single-seater debut in the 2021 Spanish F4 Championship, securing pole position and a podium on his debut.

In his 2022 season, he picked up a combined 16 race wins whilst competing in the British, UAE, and Italian Formula 4 Championships, earning him the British F4 Championship, before going on to earn the vice-champion title in the GB3 Championship the following year.

Dunne then moved on to Formula 3 for 2024 with MP Motorsport, where he finished 14th in the Drivers’ Standings, before stepping up to F2 this season.

The last Irish driver to participate in a Grand Prix weekend was Ralph Firman in 2003, who competed for Jordan Grand Prix that year.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to drive during FP1 in Austria," said Dunne. "I’m really looking forward to getting laps in behind the wheel of the MCL39 and supporting the team with the setup for the race weekend ahead.

“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. Thank you to Zak [Brown], Andrea [Stella] and Alessandro [Alunni Bravi] for their faith in me. It’s a great step within my development with the McLaren Driver Development Programme, and I’m really excited to join the team trackside.”

McLaren Team Principal, Andrea Stella, said: “It’s great to be able to give Alex the opportunity to run in Free Practice 1, and for him to get valuable time behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car as part of his development.

"The team are pleased to be working with him more closely, and for his support across the weekend, where he will be providing useful feedback to help with the car’s set-up. 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.”