Alex Dunne made a memorable debut as he settled into the seat of Lando Norris’ McLaren, marking a significant moment for the young Irish driver. Despite having no prior experience in Formula 1, Dunne showcased his potential by delivering an impressive performance during the first practice session for the Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg, Austria.
At just 19 years old, Dunne stepped in for Norris and quickly demonstrated he could challenge the sport’s elite. Competing alongside top drivers, he nearly matched the times of championship leader Oscar Piastri in the other McLaren. Filled with gratitude, Dunne addressed the McLaren team over the radio, calling it the best day of his life and offering thanks for the opportunity and Norris’ trust.
Dunne left an indelible mark by clocking the fourth-fastest time in the session, mere fractions of a second behind George Russell’s fastest lap. He showcased remarkable speed, particularly in the circuit’s swift corners. Impressively, he was only .159 seconds behind defending champion Max Verstappen, .069 seconds behind Piastri, and a notable .333 seconds faster than seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.
Ascending rapidly through the junior series, Dunne currently leads the standings in Formula 2. His preparation included private testing in a McLaren featuring 2023 specifications and utilizing the team’s simulator. His participation marked a historic moment as he became the first Irish driver in a Grand Prix weekend in over two decades since Ralph Firman’s 2003 stint with Jordan.
Formula 1 mandates that teams provide young drivers with opportunities in four Friday practice sessions annually. However, it is rare for newcomers to adjust as swiftly as Dunne did, highlighting his exceptional performance. In the same session, Ferrari handed the keys to Charles Leclerc’s car to Dino Beganovic from Sweden, another F2 competitor who finished 18th.