Dunne grabs attention as the excitement in the F1 paddock increases.

Dunne grabs attention as the excitement in the F1 paddock increases.

      "My performance in FP1 in Austria showcased my capabilities"

      McLaren junior Alex Dunne is gaining recognition as one of the most discussed talents in the Formula 1 paddock following his impressive FP1 debut in Austria and a remarkable rookie season in Formula 2. Despite being disqualified at Spa, which cost him a feature race victory, Dunne is only 11 points shy of the F2 championship lead with five rounds still to go. The 19-year-old Irishman has surprised industry insiders with his ability to adapt and his impressive speed, especially considering he finished 14th in F3 last year.

      "My performance in FP1 in Austria demonstrated my capability to drive a Formula 1 car," Dunne remarked. "In various conditions and with different cars, I believe I've always adapted fairly well and quickly." That session at the Red Bull Ring was his first experience in an F1 setting, but Dunne noted that each subsequent run has felt increasingly natural. "Every time I've driven the car since, it has gotten better and better."

      Supported by both McLaren and Rodin Motorsport, Dunne’s growing profile persists despite a crowded F1 driver market. With no immediate openings at McLaren, his best course may reflect Oscar Piastri’s trajectory - winning F2 and then waiting. "I’ve been clear from the start of the year," Dunne told Auto Hebdo. "Whether a seat becomes available at McLaren or elsewhere, my best chance of becoming an F1 driver is to ensure I win F2. That’s my sole objective."

      When asked about discussions regarding 2026, he chuckled: "I’m not sure how much I can say. That’s why I have people around me to handle these matters and try to position me correctly."

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Dunne grabs attention as the excitement in the F1 paddock increases.

Formula 1 | McLaren junior Alex Dunne is becoming one of the most discussed talents in the Formula 1 paddock after his impressive debut in FP1 at (…)