Alex Dunne: Thank you to Zak, Andrea and Alessandro

Dunne, a member of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, will drive the MCL39 at the Red Bull Ring on Friday as part of his ongoing progression through the team’s junior ranks.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to drive during FP1 in Austria,” Dunne said in the announcement. “I’m really looking forward to getting laps in behind the wheel of the MCL39 and supporting the team with the setup for the race weekend ahead.

“I’ve been preparing well for the sessions, taking part in Testing of Previous Cars tests in the MCL60 and spending time on the simulator, which has been a fantastic learning experience.

Thank you to Zak, Andrea and Alessandro for their faith in me. It’s a great step within my development with the McLaren Driver Development Programme, and I’m really excited to join the team trackside," added Dunne.

Dunne joined the McLaren programme in May 2024 while competing in FIA Formula 3. He currently races in Formula 2 with Rodin Motorsport and also serves as Reserve and Development Driver for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.

Team Principal Andrea Stella said the FP1 outing is a key moment in Dunne’s development. “It’s great to be able to give Alex the opportunity to run in FP1, and for him to get valuable time behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car as part of his development.

"The team are pleased to be working with him more closely, and for his support across the weekend, where he will be providing useful feedback to help with the car’s setup. The rookie sessions are fantastic for seeing the talent of tomorrow and enabling that rare chance to get time in a current car, so we look forward to seeing him on track,” Stella stated.

Dunne began karting at age eight, winning the 2019 WSK Champions Cup in the OKJ category. He made his single-seater debut in the 2021 Spanish F4 Championship, claiming pole position and a podium on debut. In 2022, he took 16 victories across the British, UAE, and Italian F4 Championships, securing the British F4 title. He followed up with a vice-champion finish in the 2023 GB3 Championship.

Earlier this year, McLaren announced that Pato O’Ward would take part in FP1 at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix. The team has two more rookie sessions to confirm in accordance with the 2025 Sporting Regulations.