Latest news with #DriverDevelopmentProgramme
RTÉ News
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- RTÉ News
Offaly's Alex Dunne to make history in F1 practice
Offaly's Alex Dunne is set to make history today when he takes to the track in a practice session for the Austrian Grand Prix later today. McLaren confirmed on Monday that the 19-year-old will compete in the opening practice session for the Austrian Grand Prix, in place of Lando Norris. The Offaly driver has attracted plenty of attention so far in Formula 2 and leads the standings with two victories to his name. He has been part of McLaren's Driver Development Programme since last year. Dunne has already had the opportunity to test drive an older McLaren F1 car, doing so at Zandvoort last month but today at the Red Bull Ring will mark his first opportunity to drive the MCL39 during a grand prix weekend. Under the rules for 2025, Formula 1 teams are required to field young drivers in free practice twice during the year, increasing from one in previous seasons. In today's hour-long FP1 session, which will start at 12.30pm Irish time, Dunne will sit in for McLaren driver Lando Norris, who is second in the Formula One drivers' standings behind team-mate Oscar Piastri after the duo collided in Canada in the last round. Motorsport Ireland has described it as "a very proud moment, for not only Alex and his family, but everyone involved in Irish motorsport". "The fact that Alex is getting this opportunity despite being only 19 years of age, speaks volumes about his talent and how he his viewed by McLaren," it said. "He is within touching distance of the pinnacle of the sport and no doubt this free practice session will spur Alex on to even greater heights in Formula 2, where he currently leads the Championship." Alex Dunne is the youngest driver to win the Motorsport Ireland Young Racing Driver of the Year award which he won in 2021. He is also the youngest winner of the Manley Memorial Trophy for Irish International Driver of the Year which has won in 2022 and 2024.
Extra.ie
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Extra.ie
Who is Alex Dunne?Irish racing star set to take over F1
The Irish are well and truly taking over every discipline in the world and we are here for it! For the first time in over twenty years, an Irish driver is set to take part in a major Formula 1 race weekend. Alex Dunne is a 19-year-old from Offaly and has been lauded as one of the sport's brightest up and coming stars, with many comparing him to Ralph Firman, who last raced in 2003. The Irish are well and truly taking over every discipline in the world and we are here for it! Pic: Alastair Staley/LAT Images via Getty Images On Monday, McLaren announced that Lando Norris will be replaced by Irish driver Alex for first practice at the Austrian Grand Prix this coming weekend, so here's a little bit of information on the powerhouse. The Offaly native currently leads the Formula 2 championship in his rookie season, having been a part of McLaren's Driver Development Programme since 2024. Speaking on the achievement, Alex said: 'It's an amazing opportunity to be able to drive during FP1 in Austria. For the first time in over twenty years, an Irish driver is set to take part in a major Formula 1 race weekend. Pic: Alastair Staley/LAT Images via Getty Images 'I'm really looking forward to getting laps in behind the wheel of the MCL39 and supporting the team with the set-up 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.' Alex has come leaps and bounds since his karting days, having made a name for himself early on in the European circuit. Alex Dunne is a 19-year-old for Offaly and has been lauded as one of the sport's brightest up and coming stars, with many comparing him to Ralph Firman, who last raced in 2003. Pic: Malcolm Griffiths – Formula 1/Formula Motorsport Limited via Getty Images The Irish star debuted in car racing in 2021, and by 2022, he had already won the British F4 Championship, dominating leader boards at every opportunity. In 2022, Alex also competed in the Italian F4 Championship, finishing runner-up. In 2025, he was announced as a Formula 2 driver, an unsurprising move for the rising star. Could this be the start of a lengthy partnership with F1? We hope so! Good Luck Alex!
The 42
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- The 42
Offaly teenager Alex Dunne to get McLaren F1 shot at Austrian Grand Prix
OFFALY TEENAGER ALEX Dunne will get his first taste of Formula 1 action this week after he was called up by McLaren for the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg. Dunne, 19, is part of McLaren's Driver Development Programme and will drive their MCL39 in Free Practice 1 at the Red Bull Ring on Friday afternoon (12.30pm Irish). He will drive in place of Lando Norris, who currently sits second in the F1 Drivers Championship behind team-mate Oscar Piastri. Dunne currently leads the F2 Drivers Championship, which continues in Austria this weekend. Advertisement
