Alex Dunne is set to make history as the first Irish driver to participate in a Formula 1 weekend in 22 years during the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix. The 19-year-old will step in for either championship leader Oscar Piastri or contender Lando Norris during the first practice session for McLaren, where he currently serves as a development driver.
Dunne’s rise in motorsport has been nothing short of impressive. He leads the Formula 2 championship in his rookie season, having secured two race victories thus far. He has demonstrated his talent not only through his wins but also with remarkable performances, such as qualifying on pole at Monaco, although he faced a setback with a grid penalty following a crash.
To prepare for this milestone moment in Formula 1, Dunne obtained valuable experience by driving an older Formula 1 car at Zandvoort earlier this year and participated in a second test session at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas. His participation in the Austrian Grand Prix marks the first time an Irish driver has competed in a Grand Prix since Ralph Firman in 2003. Firman was the last to represent the country in Formula 1, racing for Jordan Grand Prix. The last driver from the island of Ireland to compete was Eddie Irvine, who raced from 1993 to 2002.
Formula 1 regulations require teams to provide young or rookie drivers with mandatory practice opportunities throughout the season, and Dunne’s appearance is already a part of McLaren’s plans, which also includes IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward’s scheduled run during the Mexican Grand Prix in October.
Dunne’s achievements in Formula 2, which include winning races in Bahrain and Imola, alongside a dramatic recovery from the back of the field to second place in Barcelona, have solidified his championship lead. As he prepares for the opening practice session at 12:30 BST on Friday, Dunne also continues to focus on his Formula 2 campaign at the Red Bull Ring, looking to build on his success.
This exciting opportunity not only underscores Dunne’s growing potential in motorsport but also revitalizes Irish representation in Formula 1, bringing a newfound optimism for fans and aspiring drivers alike.