Irish motor-racing star and F2 leader Alex Dunne to drive McLaren's Formula 1 car at Austrian Grand Prix practice
Dunne joined McLaren's driver development programme in May last year while competing in the FIA Formula 3 championship, and is racing in the second tier championship for Rodin Motorsport. He also holds the role of Reserve and Development Driver for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.
He will take over Lando Norris's seat for Free Practice 1 (FP1), as teams are required to give rookie drivers at least two practice outings per car during the 2025 season, with Ferrari also announcing that their junior driver Dino Beganovic will replace Charles Leclerc for FP1 at the Red Bull Ring.
'It's an amazing opportunity to be able to drive during FP1 in Austria,' Dunne said after the news was confirmed on Monday.
'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. Thank you to Zak, Andrea and Alessandro for their faith in me.
'It's a great step within my development with the McLaren Driver Development Programme, and I'm really excited to join the team trackside.'
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella added: 'It's great to be able to give Alex the opportunity to run in FP1, and for him to get valuable time behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car as part of his development.
'The team are pleased to be working with him more closely, and for his support across the weekend, where he will be providing useful feedback to help with the car's set-up.
'The rookie sessions are fantastic for seeing the talent of tomorrow and enabling that rare chance to get time in a current car, so we look forward to seeing him on track.'
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