Alex Dunne to Make F1 Debut at Austrian Grand Prix
Austrian Grand Prix, Spielberg — Alex Dunne, the current leader of the Formula 2 championship, will step into Formula 1 for the first time during Friday’s FP1 session at the Austrian Grand Prix, replacing Lando Norris in the McLaren lineup.
Dunne, hailing from Offaly, Ireland, is in his inaugural F2 season with Rodin Motorsport. His rapid ascent through the ranks includes a British F4 championship title in 2022 and a second-place finish in the Italian F4 series. He has added to his accolades as the runner-up in the GB3 Championship in 2023. Dunne joined McLaren’s young driver program in 2024 and also acts as a reserve driver for the McLaren Formula E team.
Currently, Dunne leads the F2 standings with two feature race victories and sits three points ahead of Richard Verschoor. Despite a challenging Monaco race, where he was involved in a pile-up, he rebounded at the Barcelona race to reclaim the lead in the championship.
"I’ve been preparing well, participating in the Testing of Previous Cars program and using the simulator," Dunne stated. "It’s been a fantastic learning experience. I’m excited to join the team trackside."
Team principal Andrea Stella remarked, "It’s significant for Alex to gain experience in an F1 car. His feedback will be valuable for the team’s setup as he continues his development."
In addition to Dunne’s debut, Ferrari junior Dino Beganovic will also participate in FP1, substituting for Charles Leclerc, who is now required to sit out two rounds under updated regulations.
This opportunity marks a pivotal moment in Dunne’s career as he aims to solidify his trajectory in motorsports.
