In a shocking turn of events, McLaren has made a bold driver change ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, sidelining Lando Norris in favor of a young talent to shake things up in the championship battle.
Norris, who is currently trailing behind his teammate Oscar Piastri by 22 points after a dramatic crash at the Canadian GP, will not be part of the immediate action as Irishman Alex Dunne steps in for FP1 in Austria. This move comes as McLaren aims to meet the requirements of fielding rookie drivers in both cars on two occasions this season.
Alex Dunne, a rising star in McLaren’s driver development program, is set to make his F1 session debut in Austria after an impressive run in F2 where he leads the championship with two wins and four podium finishes. The 19-year-old driver expressed his excitement for the opportunity, emphasizing his readiness and preparation for the task at hand.
With Norris set to return for FP2, the championship battle intensifies as he looks to close the gap with Piastri and challenge 2024 rival Max Verstappen on the track. The decision to bring in Dunne adds a new dynamic to McLaren’s lineup and sets the stage for an exciting race weekend ahead.
Stay tuned as the Austrian Grand Prix unfolds with unexpected twists and turns on the horizon, promising an exhilarating showcase of talent and determination on the Formula 1 circuit.
