Four weeks after the Spanish GP, Dino Beganovic and Alex Dunne will drive in F1 FP1 at the Austrian GP.
Both rookies have shown rapid progress during this year’s Formula 2 season. The Swede and the Irishman are currently in the top 10 of the F2 drivers’ standings.
Beganovic had been driving the Ferrari once before at the Bahrain GP. There, he had driven Charles Leclerc’s SF-25 and finished 14th fastest (+1.851s). He was just two tenths slower than his teammate at Hitech TGR, Luke Browning. Despite this, he managed to outpace Lance Stroll and Kimi Antonelli.
Dunne has been showing strong development throughout the season with Rodin Motorsport and McLaren. The Irishman is leading the drivers’ championship in the 2025 F2 campaign. He has proved to be better than his mistakes, as he performed stunningly after a negative race weekend.
Dunne and Stella on this opportunity
After the announcement has been made, Alex Dunne expressed his gratitude for this opportunity. Becoming the first Irishman to take part in a Grand Prix weekend since 2003.
“I’ve been preparing well for the sessions, taking part in Testing of Previous Cars tests in the MCL60 and spending time on the simulator, which has been a fantastic learning experience.”
The support of McLaren impacted the Irish drivers’ career tremendously. This opportunity brings him one step nearer his dream to be in F1.
“Thank you to Zak, Andrea and Alessandro for their faith in me. It’s a great step within my development with the McLaren Driver Development Programme, and I’m really excited to join the team trackside.”
Team Principle at McLaren, Andrea Stella, expressed excitement about giving Dunne this valuable opportunity in Norris’ car.
“It’s great to be able to give Alex the opportunity to run in Free Practice 1, and for him to get valuable time behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car as part of his development. The team are pleased to be working with him more closely, and for his support across the weekend, where he will be providing useful feedback to help with the car’s set-up.
“The rookie sessions are fantastic for seeing the talent of tomorrow and enabling that rare chance to get time in a current car, so we look forward to seeing him on track.”
The FP1 of the Austrian GP will take place at 13:30 local time.
