Alex Dunne Steals the Spotlight in FP1 at Austrian Grand Prix

Web Desk

27 June, 2025 17:40

Alex Dunne Steals the Spotlight in FP1 at Austrian Grand Prix

Alex Dunne will take part in first practice for McLaren at the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix this weekend.

June 27, 2025 – In his Formula 1 debut during Friday practice at the Austrian Grand Prix, McLaren junior Alex Dunne impressed everyone by finishing fourth in FP1. The 19-year-old Irish driver, who leads the Formula 2 Championship, delivered a faultless performance in his first run in the MCL39.

Dunne clocked in just 0.224 seconds behind session leader George Russell and within a tenth of his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, showing maturity beyond his years. Russell topped the session with a 1:05.542, followed narrowly by Max Verstappen (+0.065) and Piastri (+0.155).

Team Movements and Track Upgrades

McLaren introduced changes to front suspension, rear corners, and overall setup ahead of FP1.
Ferrari tested its updated SF‑25 floor and diffuser with Lewis Hamilton returning, facing a gear issue but handling it swiftly. Dino Beganovic took the other Ferrari seat for FP1.
Red Bull also made floor adjustments for better performance at the Red Bull Ring.
Mercedes rolled out a new engine cover and brake duct design.

FP1 Highlights

Oscar Piastri quickly moved into third shortly after Russell and Verstappen.
Verstappen faced a small run-off at Turn 1 but bounced back fast.
Mercedes duo of Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli improved as the session progressed, with Russell setting a 1:05.776 after switching to soft tyres.
Lewis Hamilton had a gearbox interruption but rejoined successfully later.
Fernando Alonso triggered a yellow flag after stalling on track during his out-lap.

Meanwhile, Dunne handled early radio distractions and stayed focused, climbing from mid-pack to just 0.224s off the lead by session end – a remarkable start.