Alex Dunne's Path to Formula 1

Alex Dunne, the 19-year-old McLaren development driver, is on a remarkable journey towards Formula 1. Leading the Formula 2 standings with two victories, Dunne has already made significant strides in his career. His impressive performance earned him a first outing in a Formula 1 car during a private event at Zandvoort in May. Now, he is set to become the first Irish driver in 22 years to participate in a Formula 1 weekend, deputizing for Lando Norris in the opening practice session for the Austrian Grand Prix.

A Dream Closer to Reality

"When me and my dad got told we would be able to drive a Formula 1 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 to Formula 1 and it's one step closer."

McLaren's Belief in Dunne

McLaren sees this opportunity not only as a reward for Dunne's stellar form but also as a developmental milestone for the young driver. Dunne, however, remains focused on his primary goal: winning the Formula 2 championship. Currently leading the standings after six rounds, thanks to victories in Bahrain and Imola, a pole position in Monaco, and a remarkable recovery drive in Barcelona, Dunne is determined to stay consistent.

Learning from the Best

Dunne's first experience in a Formula 1 car at Zandvoort was unforgettable. "To have that opportunity was pretty amazing," he said. "McLaren has made it pretty clear that they believe in me to do well and they have been really pushing me and supporting me. I got to watch Lando and Oscar drive and speak to them in detail to see what I could learn."

The Road Ahead

Despite his upward trajectory, Dunne acknowledges the challenges ahead. "There's no guarantee I'll make it to Formula 1," he said. "It's important not to focus too much on Formula 1, it's important to focus on Formula 2 and trying to do as well as I can. If I get too wrapped up in it, I can quickly forget about what I need to do this year."

A Proud Moment

Dunne's journey is not just about personal achievement but also about making his country proud. "A cool moment for me was on the podium, on the other side of the track there was some people holding an Irish flag with my name on it. It's something I'm very proud of," he shared.

Mental Resilience

Dunne's ability to bounce back from setbacks, such as his penalty in Monaco and subsequent recovery in Barcelona, showcases the mental resilience required to compete at the highest level. "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," he said.

Looking Forward

As Dunne prepares for his first Formula 1 session at the Austrian Grand Prix, he remains focused on his Formula 2 campaign. "It's important to stay consistent, not try and do anything crazy, have good qualifying and score good points in the sprint race and the feature," he emphasized. "If I keep doing what I'm doing, and keep chipping away at it, then hopefully the opportunities will come."

Follow Alex Dunne's journey and his first Formula 1 session at the Austrian Grand Prix on the BBC Sport website and app from Friday at 12:30 BST.