'This is the best day of my life' - Offaly native Alex Dunne reflects on Formula One debut

The 19-year-old finished fourth in the first practice for the Austrian Grand Prix.

WELL DUNNE: Mclaren driver Alex Dunne prepares for the first free practice at the Red Bull Ring racetrack, ahead of the Austrian Formula One Grand Prix in Spielberg. Pic: AP Photo/Darko Bandic.

“I don’t even know where to start,” admitted Alex Dunne after the Offaly native enjoyed a memorable Formula One debut on Friday.

In the grander scheme of things, it was George Russell who ultimately recorded the fastest time in the first practice for the Austrian Grand Prix, seeing off Max Verstappen by 0.065 seconds, with championship leader Oscar Piastri coming third.

But with Lando Norris sitting out the first running of the weekend, Dunne was handed his maiden drive at this level and finished fourth, less than a tenth shy of Piastri.

Norris was due to return to his cockpit for the second session later on Friday but speaking after making a significant impact in Austria, Dunne couldn’t hide his delight at his performance.

“Super, super happy,” continued the 19-year-old.

A day to remember forever 🧡#McLaren | #AustrianGP 🇦🇹 pic.twitter.com/T615iS2eGX

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) June 27, 2025

“I think it’s safe to say it went pretty well. You know, I think we knew going through the session that the goal wasn’t necessarily for performance, it was more to help out with the car, help Lando and kind of just help the team improve as much as they can for FP2, FP3 and then onwards into the weekend.

“So, to have the pace that I had and, you know, show what I’m capable of, on the F1 stage is something pretty special.

“So massive thank you to McLaren and everyone for the opportunity and I’m extremely grateful.

And speaking over the radio, the McLaren development driver and Formula Two championship leader added: "A little boy's dream came true. This is the best day of my life."

Motorsport Ireland Sporting Manager Art McCarrick added: “This is a very proud moment, for not only Alex and his family, but everyone involved in Irish motorsport.

"The fact that Alex is getting this opportunity despite being only 19 years of age, speaks volumes about his talent and how he his viewed by McLaren. 

"He is within touching distance of the pinnacle of the sport and no doubt this free practice session will spur Alex on to even greater heights in Formula 2, where he currently leads the Championship.”