Alex Dunne "one step closer" to F1 dream ahead of Austria FP1

June 26, 2025

Formula 2 leader Alex Dunne will become the first Irish driver to participate in a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend since Ralph Firman back in 2003.

The 19-year-old currently competes in F2 for Rodin Motorsport as part of the McLaren Driver Development Program and as a result of his success, he will replace Lando Norris for the reigning constructors’ champions in Friday’s first practice session at the Austrian Grand Prix.

FIA rules state that teams must field rookie drivers for two practice sessions per car throughout the season.

The Offaly-born prodigy is 33/1 to top the board in FP1 with the top betting sites in Ireland as he prepares to get to grips with an F1 car in the eye of the public for the very first time.

Dunne, also a reserve driver for McLaren’s Formula E team, currently leads the F2 drivers’ championship with 87 points through the first six race weekends as Spielberg marks the halfway point of the campaign.

He won races in Bahrain and Imola as well as producing a recovery drive for the ages when finishing second from 19th on the grid in Barcelona.

The Irishman told the BBC when he found out the news, he couldn’t help but feel emotional as his F1 dream inches closer.

“When me and my dad got told we would be able to drive an F1 car this year, my dad got a little bit emotional and I laughed at him,” he joked.

“Nah, I got emotional as well. It’s a big thing.

“We have always wanted to make it for Formula 1 and it’s one step closer.”

Dunne made headlines earlier this month in the wake of a chaotic 11-car crash at the Monaco Grand Prix, which led him to temporarily deactivate his social media accounts following a wave of “really upsetting” abuse.

WATCH: Alex Dunne collides with Victor Martins, causing huge pile-up in Monaco

A massive crash occurred at the start of the Monaco Grand Prix Formula 2 race

Right after the start, at the first corner, Irish driver Alex Dunne and French driver Victor Martins collided, causing a pile-up involving 11 cars. pic.twitter.com/FyWalRaysF

— Based & Viral (@ViralBased) May 25, 2025

Despite reaching a huge milestone in his career, Dunne insisted his focus is on the F2 season and he can’t afford to get too far ahead of himself.

“It’s important not to focus too much on F1, it’s important to focus on F2 and trying to do as well as I can.

“If I get too wrapped up in it I can quickly forget about what I need to do this year.

“The whole point of focusing on F2 and making sure I have good results this year, is so hopefully then at the end of the year there is an opportunity to be a F1 driver.

“There are no guarantees, but that’s what I’m working towards and that’s what I want.”