From F4 to F1: Teenage Driver’s Meteoric Rise Continues

Alex Dunne, the 19-year-old Formula 2 leader, is set to make history by becoming the first Irish driver to participate in a Formula 1 weekend in 22 years. Dunne will replace Lando Norris for the opening practice session at the Austrian Grand Prix, a move that marks a significant step closer to achieving his lifelong dream of racing in the top tier of motorsport.

Dunne’s impressive form in Formula 2 has earned him a spot in the McLaren development program, and he has already made a name for himself in the F1 paddock with a private outing at Zandvoort in May. The teenager’s speed and adaptability have caught the attention of McLaren, who see him as a potential future star.

“I’ve always wanted to reach F1, and now it’s a step closer,” Dunne said, reflecting on his rapid rise through the junior ranks. “I said to myself at the start of the year, ‘what if I never get to drive a Formula 1 car?’ But I didn’t need to worry.”

Dunne’s journey to F1 began in British F4, where he dominated the championship in 2022. He then moved to Italian F4, finishing second behind future F1 driver Kimi Antonelli. After a strong debut at the Macau Grand Prix, Dunne stepped up to Formula 3 with MP Motorsport, claiming two podiums and a solid 14th place finish in the standings.

However, it was his move to Formula 2 with Rodin Motorsport that has truly showcased Dunne’s talent. He currently leads the standings by three points, thanks to a string of impressive performances, including two victories in Bahrain and Imola, a pole position in Monaco, and a stunning recovery drive from 19th to second in Barcelona.

Dunne’s mental resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity have been key to his success, as he acknowledged in an interview. “That’s something I can be proud of, each time we have had something difficult or go wrong, we have come back and done something pretty special.”

When asked about his experience in the F1 car at Zandvoort, Dunne was effusive in his praise. “It was amazing,” he said. “The car was unbelievable. The grip, the brakes, everything. Even in a straight line, it feels fast. When you are racing in F2 or F3, it doesn’t necessarily feel that quick when you put your foot down. But when I put my foot down in the F1 car, I was like ‘wow, this is pretty quick’.”

Dunne’s father, Noel, a former racer himself, has been a constant source of support throughout his son’s career. “When me and my dad got told we would be able to drive a F1 car this year, my dad got a little bit emotional and I laughed at him,” Dunne joked. “Nah, I got emotional as well. It’s a big thing. We have always wanted to make it for Formula 1 and it’s one step closer.”

As Dunne prepares to take on the challenge of F1, he remains focused on his day job in Formula 2, aware that consistency and hard work are essential to achieving his ultimate goal. “It’s important not to focus too much on F1, it’s important to focus on F2 and trying to do as well as I can,” he said.

Dunne’s first F1 session at the Austrian Grand Prix will be broadcast live on the BBC Sport website and app from Friday at 12:30 BST.