Alex Dunne to replace Lando Norris at F1 Austrian GP FP1
23rd June 2025McLaren confirms Alex Dunne will take part in Free Practice 1 at this weekend’s Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix, replacing championship contender Lando Norris.
Feature image credit: McLaren Racing
On Monday, ahead of the European double header in Austria and the United Kingdom, McLaren confirmed that their development driver, Dunne will be taking part in Free Practice 1 alongside the championship leader, Oscar Piastri.
McLaren’s announcement follows on from their recent confirmation, earlier on in the year, that Pato O’Ward will take part in the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix, as he did last year.
Dunne has reportedly taken part in Testing of Previous Cars in the Woking-based team’s MCL60 in preparation for his first F1 weekend. Ahead of the race weekend, Dunne said:
“It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to drive during FP1 in Austria. I’m really looking forward to getting laps in behind the wheel of the MCL39 and supporting the team with the setup 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.”
The 19-year-old, who is a development driver for McLaren, currently leads the Formula 2 world championship, with 87 points to his name, ahead of Richard Verschoor who sits in second place (84 points) in the feeder series.
The decision to introduce Dunne for an FP1 session, according to the team, has been described as their ‘overarching aim’ to help their drivers progress to Formula 1, IndyCar or their upcoming World Endurance Championship entry.
“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,” commented McLaren Team Principal, Andrea Stella.
“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 setup. 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.”
McLaren has said they will confirm the remaining two FP1 rookies in due course, completing the four young driver requirement for the 2025 Sporting Regulations.
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