Alex Dunne to Debut in McLaren F1 FP1

Alex Dunne, a 19-year-old Irish driver, will make his Formula 1 free practice debut with McLaren at the Austrian Grand Prix, replacing Lando Norris in Friday's FP1 session. Dunne currently leads the Formula 2 standings in his rookie season and joined McLaren's Driver Development Programme in 2024, also serving as a reserve driver for their Formula E team. This marks the first appearance by an Irish driver at an F1 weekend since Ralph Firman in 2003. Dunne has prepared with simulator work and testing older McLaren F1 cars. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella highlighted the value of rookie sessions and praised Dunne’s progression and feedback. This opportunity complies with F1 regulations requiring rookie participation, with Ferrari also fielding junior Dino Beganovic in FP1 at the Red Bull Ring.