Alex Dunne: McLaren Austrian GP Practice Debut
- Alex Dunne, a rising star in F2, is poised to make his Formula 1 practice debut at the Austrian Grand Prix.
- The last driver born on the island of Ireland to race in F1 was Eddie Irvine, from Northern Ireland.
- F1 regulations mandate that teams must allocate four practice sessions per season to young or rookie drivers, providing valuable experience and exposure.
Alex Dunne, the rising F2 star, is set to make his Formula 1 practice debut at the Austrian Grand Prix! This historic event marks the first time an Irish driver will participate in a Grand Prix weekend as 2003, revitalizing Irish motorsport. Dunne, who has already secured victories this season, will pilot during the practice session at the Red Bull Ring. This opportunity, mandated by F1 regulations, gives him invaluable experience as he continues his F2 campaign with Rodin Motorsport. The last driver born on the island of Ireland to compete in F1 was Eddie Irvine. Dunne’s potential comes as he competes with the F2 championship. this event will also involve IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward. Stay tuned to News Directory 3 for the latest updates. Discover what’s next as Dunne takes the track!
Dunne to Get F1 Practice Role, Breaking Irish Drought
Updated june 23, 2025
Alex Dunne, a rising star in F2, is poised to make his Formula 1 practice debut at the Austrian Grand Prix. this marks a significant moment for Irish motorsport, as Dunne will be the first driver from Ireland to participate in a Grand Prix weekend since Ralph Firman in 2003. Firman, though born in England, competed under an irish license for Jordan.
The last driver born on the island of Ireland to race in F1 was Eddie Irvine, from Northern Ireland. Irvine raced under a U.K. license from 1993-2002, driving for Ferrari and Jaguar.
F1 regulations mandate that teams must allocate four practice sessions per season to young or rookie drivers, providing valuable experience and exposure. Dunne’s possibility comes as he continues his F2 campaign with Rodin Motorsport at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.
Dunne has already tasted victory this F2 season, claiming wins in Bahrain and Imola. He also secured pole position in Monaco but faced a grid penalty due to a first-corner incident. Recovering from 19th to second in Barcelona, Dunne briefly lead the championship after a fifth-place finish.
What’s next
The opening F1 practice session in Austria is scheduled for Friday at 12:30 BST. IndyCar’s Pato O’Ward is also slated to run at his home race during the Mexico City Grand Prix in october.