Dunne 'grateful' for 'special' McLaren outing in Austria

Nineteen-year-old F2 sensation Alex Dunne hailed his Formula 1 practice debut with McLaren at the Austrian Grand Prix as "something pretty special." The Irish development driver impressed onlookers, posting the fourth fastest time in FP1, remarkably close to teammate Oscar Piastri. Despite his primary role being to assist with car development – including a new suspension setup – Dunne showcased significant pace. McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella lauded Dunne's diligence and speed, noting his contribution helped regular driver Lando Norris, who subsequently topped FP2. Dunne's performance underscored his potential, proving he's not only fast but also a valuable asset in car development. A highly encouraging first outing for the young talent.