This McLaren Driver Will Be Replaced for the Austrian Grand Prix

Lando Norris, the second in the drivers' championship and McLaren’s star driver, has been suddenly replaced for the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix practice. McLaren’s development driver Alex Dunne will participate in the first practice in place of Norris, being the first Irishman to race in a weekend since Ralph Firman in 2003. The 19-year-old driver currently leads the Formula 2 drivers' championship, which makes him an ideal reserve driver for McLaren's Formula E team. The young racer has been karting since he was eight years old. As of January 2025, Dunne was announced as McLaren’s reserve driver and made his debut in Formula E during a rookie practice session for the Jeddah ePrix. As the son of Noel Dunne, a former racer who won the Irish Formula Ford F1600 two times, the rookie has racing in his blood. 

According to the FIA’s rules, teams must have a young driver race for two practice sessions per car throughout the season, additionally adding another McLaren reserve driver. Pato O'Ward will be taking part in October's Mexican Grand Prix, fulfilling the second practice session. This brings out a whole different level of drivers for the team, which is currently leading the championship with its standing of 374 points so far. The team has surpassed everyone's expectations, especially with Oscar Piastri’s fantastic driving this season. After Norris’s unfortunate crash at the Australian Grand Prix, he found his way into the wall, it might be wise for him to take a small break.

Here is hoping that the young racer will be successful in his run and that Norris will be able to take a well-deserved break from the pressures of Formula 1 for a little while.  Dunne expresses his excitement for driving for the team and, hopefully, benefiting them by learning to drive the MCL39. If all goes well, the reserve driver will excel in his practice run with the faster car, learn to manage the track, and score points for the team. Make sure to stay tuned in for the Austrian Grand Prix on June 29th and look out for McLaren’s Papaya Boys!