The Race
patreon
McLaren's next F1 driver? The surprise early star of the Austrian GP [ad-free]
🕑 Added 2025-06-27 20:39:52 +0000 UTCIt's not that often an F1 rookie gets to drive their first session in grand prix racing in the grid's best car - but even in that context Alex Dunne's practice debut at the Austrian Grand Prix was insanely impressive.
The Irish rookie is already making a splash in Formula 2 this year, and his breakthrough year has reached another level here.
But can McLaren have any cogent long-term plan for Dunne - or will it have to let him go like it did with Gabriel Bortoleto?
![McLaren's next F1 driver? The surprise early star of the Austrian GP [ad-free]](https://img10.patrefans.com/storage/1/bk/wi/563145-019e838b-f44f-76e8-b1d4-5537359afa87.jpg)
Comments
Michael Holden
I canโt see MCL keeping Dunne past 2026. But playing hypothetical โฆ if PIA wins the WDC this year, and does likewise next year, or MCLโs car is really poor, and PIA still betters NOR, than I could see Lando moving on by end of 2026. Otherwise, Dunne will move on.
Ignacy Trepka
Heโs gonna take my number on the F1 game!
Richard Lehoux
Wow! McLaren have a really good driver academy.
Dara Peyton
Up the Dunners ๐ฎ๐ช๐ฎ๐ช๐ฎ๐ช๐ฎ๐ช
