Alex Dunne to make Formula 1 debut in Austria FP1!
The McLaren Formula 1 Team today announced that McLaren Driver Development Programme’s Alex Dunne will drive in Free Practice 1 at the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix, in place of Lando Norris.
Irish racing driver Alex Dunne is part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, currently racing in FIA Formula 2 and is the reserve and development driver for the McLaren Formula E team. On the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, Alex will get the opportunity to drive Lando Norris' MCL39 in the Free Practice 1 Sessions. Every year there are now four young driver outings as mandated in the 2025 Sporting Regulations giving drivers not competing in Formula 1 yet the chance to test out the F1 machinery.
Currently leading the Formula 2 standings, the 19 year old driver will be the first Motorsport Ireland driver in 22 years to take part in a Formula 1 event. Alex will get behind the wheel of the MCL39 as part of his development within the McLaren Racing pipeline, which has an overarching aim to help drivers progress towards Formula 1, IndyCar, and Formula 1, IndyCar, and the team’s upcoming World Endurance Championship entry.
Alex Dunne, McLaren Driver Development, said:
“It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to drive during FP1 in Austria. 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.”
Andrea Stella, Team Principal, McLaren F1, 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.”
