Formula 2 championship leader Alex Dunne will debut in Formula 1 free practice with McLaren at the Austrian Grand Prix, replacing Lando Norris in Friday’s FP1 session. Dunne, an Irishman, is in his first F2 season with Rodin after a successful F4 championship win in 2022 and a GB3 runner-up finish in 2023. He is currently leading the F2 series, narrowly ahead of Richard Verschoor, despite a setback at Monaco. Dunne’s progression includes being part of McLaren’s young driver scheme since 2024 and driving in their Formula E project.
His upcoming FP1 debut comes after testing previous McLaren models and simulator work to prepare for the opportunity. McLaren’s Andrea Stella expressed excitement about Dunne’s potential while emphasizing the importance of gaining experience in a current F1 car. Ferrari junior Dino Beganovic will also participate in FP1 in Austria, adhering to the 2025 regulations requiring race drivers to sit out some rounds. The FP1 sessions provide a platform for young talents like Dunne and Beganovic to showcase their skills and contribute valuable feedback to their respective teams.
