Imagery courtesy of Formula One via www.formula1.com
Alex Dunne, 19 years old, the current Formula Two (F2) championship leader will make his Formula One (F1) debut by driving the McLaren MCL39 during Free Practice One (FP1) at the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend. He’ll replace Lando Norris for the session, fulfilling one of McLaren’s mandatory rookie driver outings as required by F1 regulations.
Began racing at the age of eight years old and won the 2019 WSK Champions Cup. Claimed 16 wins across British, UAE and Italian F4 in 2022, winning the British F4 title. Finished runner up in GB3 in 2023 and competed in FIA F3 in 2024. In 2025, Dunne has taken two feature race wins, multiple podiums and currently leads the F1 standing with Rodin Motorsport.
Dunne joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme in May 2024 and has since participated in Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) with the MCL60. Spent extensive time in the simulator to prepare for F1 machinery. Served as Reserve and Development Driver for the NEOM McLaren Formula E (FE) Team. McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella praised the move, calling it a “rare chance to get time in a current car” and a key step in Dunne’s development.
Photo by Clive Mason via GettyImages
Ahead of his FP1 debut at the Austrian Grand Prix, Dunne has undergone extensive simulator work and participated in TPC sessions with the McLaren MCL60. He first tested the MCL60 at Zandvoort, where he impressed with his adaptability and confidence in high-downforce machinery. A second test in Austin further refined his feedback skills and race preparation helping him transition from virtual to real-world performance. Dunne noted that while simulators are valuable, “you can’t replicate the G-forces and confidence factor” of driving a real F1 car.
Dunne expressed heartfelt thanks to Zak Brown, Stella and Alessandro Alunni Bravi for their support:
“Thank you to Zak, Andrea, and Alessandro 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 track side.”
His comments reflect a deep appreciation for the trust and investment McLaren has placed in his career trajectory.
Mclaren Team Principal Stella has been effuisive in his praise for Dunne, calling him "one of the most talented drivers" in the McLaren pipeline. Stella highlighted Dunne’s speed and adaptability in both the simulator as well as TPC sessions. Collaborative approach with engineers, particularly his ability to provide clear constructive feedback on car setup. Maturity and professionalism, noting that Dunne is giving the team "no headaches - only satisfaction."
Photo by James Watson via Unsplash
Dunne’s FP1 outing at the Austrian Grand Prix is more than a regulatory rookie requirement—it’s a strategic milestone in McLaren’s long-term vision. He’s the first Irish driver to take part in an F1 weekend since 2003, marking a historic moment for Irish motorsport. As part of McLaren’s Driver Development Programme, Dunne is being groomed alongside talents like O’Ward with a clear path toward F1, FE or WEC. His performance will help McLaren evaluate future race seat potential, especially as the team looks to maintain a pipeline of elite talent beyond Norris and Piastri.
Fans can expect a measured but confident performance from Dunne during FP1 as the Red Bull Ring’s simple layout makes it ideal for rookies, allowing Dunne to focus on car balance, braking points and feedback delivery. He’ll be tasked with supporting setup work for the race weekend, offering real-time insights that could influence McLaren’s strategy. While lap times won’t be the focus, his composure, consistency and communication will be closely watched by the paddock.
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