Alex Dunne to become first Irish driver to feature in Formula 1 weekend in 22 years

“It’s a great step within my development with the McLaren Driver Development Programme, and I’m really excited to join the team trackside," said Dunne.

OFFALY GOOD: Offaly's Alex Dunne will become the first Irish driver in 22 years to take part in a Formula 1 weekend when he takes to the track at the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix. Pic: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire.

Offaly's Alex Dunne will become the first Irish driver in 22 years to take part in a Formula 1 weekend when he takes to the track at the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix.

On Monday, McClaren confirmed that the 19-year-old will compete in the Free Practice 1 in Austria this weekend in place of Lando Norris.

Dunne, who is a development driver for McLaren, has impressed in his first year in the Formula 2, winning two races which sees him lead the championship.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to drive during FP1 in Austria," said Dunne, who will become the first Irish driver to participate in a Grand Prix weekend since Ralph Firman back in 2003.

"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, 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 trackside.”

Formula 2 championship leader Rodin Motorsport's Alex Dunne in the paddock before the race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain. Pic: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire.

Andrea Stella, Team Principal at McLaren F1, added: “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.”

Dunne began karting at eight years old, securing his first European karting title in the 2019 WSK Champions Cup OKJ Category. He made his single-seater debut in the 2021 Spanish F4 Championship, securing Pole position and a podium on 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 4 Championship, before going on to earn the vice-champion title in the GB3 Championship the following year.

Dunne was announced as part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme in May 2024 whilst competing in FIA Formula 3. He now races for Rodin Motorsport in FIA Formula 2 and serves as Reserve and Development Driver for NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.