McLaren confirm FP1 rookie ahead of Italian Grand Prix
4th September 2025McLaren’s development driver, Alex Dunne, is set to return to the cockpit of the teams’ 2025 championship contender at the Italian Grand Prix.
Feature image credit: McLaren Racing
Dunne, 19, is expected to make his second appearance in an official Formula 1 session during free practice 1 of the Italian Grand Prix, following his earlier debut in Austria.
The Irish teenager was the first driver from Ireland to compete in a Formula 1 event, 22 years ago, when he made his debut at the iconic Red Bull Ring.
He has expressed his excitement to get into the car again, and will look to help the two drivers; Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, as much as he can for their race weekend.
“I’m super excited to be back in the MCL39 for my second FP1 with McLaren,” Dunne said.
“My first session in Austria was an extremely special day for me, but I think to do it again in Monza, which is a historic and prestigious track, is definitely going to put a very big smile on my face.
“I’m looking forward to building and improving on what was already a strong outing in Austria and help Lando and Oscar as much as possible going into their weekend.”
Additionally, Dunne will also continue his Formula 2 campaign as the junior series returns after the summer break. Currently, the Irishman sits fifth in the drivers standings.
The teenager sits on 124 points in the drivers championship, one point behind Luke Browning, and 30 points off the championship lead – currently held by Leonardo Fornaroli.
He has secured two feature race wins so far in his 2025 F2 campaign, coming at Bahrain and Imola, respectively.
Paul Aron will join Dunne as an FP1 rookie this weekend as the Estonian will take over driving duties from Franco Colapinto.
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Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.
I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.
Kamron Kent
Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.
