Alex Dunne, a development driver for McLaren, will replace Lando Norris during the first practice session at the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix.
At just 19 years old, Dunne races in Formula 2 for Rodin Motorsport and became part of McLaren’s young driver program in 2024.
In addition to his role in Formula 1, Dunne is also a reserve driver for McLaren’s Formula E team.
According to FIA rules, each team must have a young driver participate in two practice sessions per car during the season.
Reserve driver Pato O’Ward will take part in first practice at the Mexican Grand Prix in October, with two announcements to follow.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to drive during FP1 in Austria,” Dunne said in a statement. “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.”
Norris is second in the drivers’ championship, 22 points behind teammate Oscar Piastri. World champions McLaren lead the constructors’ championship by 175 points going into round 11 in Austria.
