Young talent Alex Dunne made a stunning debut in Formula 1, raising questions about his potential as McLaren’s newest superstar. Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, tempered the excitement surrounding Dunne’s impressive performance during the opening practice at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Despite setting the fourth-fastest time in his debut session, Stella advised against overinterpreting the lap time, emphasizing that it was achieved with low fuel towards the end of Dunne’s stint. The 19-year-old Irish driver, currently leading the F2 feeder series, showcased remarkable speed, trailing just behind F1 2025 championship leader Oscar Piastri.
Dunne’s preparation for his F1 weekend debut included extensive Testing of Previous Car (TPC) outings, where he familiarized himself with McLaren’s 2023 car at various circuits. His maiden drive in a current F1 car at the Red Bull Ring marked a significant milestone in his racing career.
Stella commended Dunne’s diligence and performance, acknowledging his speed and adaptability. Warren Hughes, head of McLaren’s junior driver scheme, praised Dunne’s raw speed as his standout quality, highlighting his continuous improvement and potential to become a formidable driver in the future.
As Dunne continues to impress with his performance and speed, the F1 world eagerly anticipates his development and future achievements on the track. With the guidance of McLaren’s experienced team and his undeniable talent, Alex Dunne’s journey in Formula 1 is one to watch closely.
