In a thrilling highlight for motorsport fans, Irish driver Alex Dunne is set to take the wheel for McLaren during the first practice session at the iconic Italian Grand Prix in Monza this coming Friday.
At just 19 years old, Dunne made an impressive debut earlier this year at the Austrian Grand Prix, where he finished fourth in practice, just shy of Oscar Piastri’s time while using the same car. This marks a significant comeback as he is the first Irish racer to participate in an F1 event in over two decades. Alongside his F1 responsibilities, Dunne will continue to compete in Formula 2, where he currently stands fifth in the championship standings.
“I’m thrilled to return for my second FP1 with McLaren at Monza,” Dunne remarked. “My initial experience in Austria was truly exceptional, and being on this historic track will certainly bring a huge smile to my face. I aim to enhance my performance and contribute to Lando and Oscar’s success as we head into the Grand Prix.”
As part of this season’s regulations, Formula 1 teams are mandated to field a rookie in at least four practice sessions. McLaren has already confirmed that IndyCar sensation Pato O’Ward will join them at his home race in Mexico City this October, and they are expected to fulfill their rookie obligations later in the season in Abu Dhabi with a yet-to-be-named driver.
Meet Alex Dunne
Born on November 11, 2005, in Offaly, Ireland, Dunne swiftly ascended through the ranks of karting, embarking on his single-seater career with Formula 4 at age 15. He captured pole position and earned a podium finish in his debut, subsequently dominating the British F4 championship in 2022 while also finishing as a runner-up in the Italian F4 championship. Though he faced challenges in Formula 3, Dunne was signed by McLaren in May 2024 and is now competing in Formula 2 with Rodin Motorsport.
Dunne shocked pundits when he led the standings early in the season with standout performances in Bahrain and Imola but faced backlash after a controversial incident at Monaco. Feeling the weight of criticism on social media, he took measures to protect his mental health. “After Monaco, I deleted social media because I’ve never experienced such negativity,” he admitted. He quickly rebounded by advancing from 19th to second in the F2 Sprint race in Spain, reaffirming his championship lead.
As the season progresses, Dunne remains in contention, currently fifth in the F2 standings, trailing leader Leonardo Fornaroli by 30 points with just four races left.
Sky Sports F1 Schedule for the Italian GP
Thursday, September 4
2 PM: Drivers’ Press Conference
Friday, September 5
8:30 AM: F3 Practice
9:55 AM: F2 Practice
12 PM: Italian Grand Prix Practice One (session begins at 12:30 PM)
1:55 PM: F3 Qualifying
2:50 PM: F2 Qualifying
3:35 PM: Italian Grand Prix Practice Two (session starts at 4 PM)
5:15 PM: The F1 Show
Saturday, September 6
8:10 AM: F3 Sprint
11:15 AM: Italian Grand Prix Practice Three (session starts at 11:30 AM)
1:10 PM: F2 Sprint
2:15 PM: Italian Grand Prix Qualifying build-up
3 PM: ITALIAN GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING
5 PM: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday, September 7
7:10 AM: F3 Feature Race
8:40 AM: F2 Feature Race
10:40 AM: Porsche Supercup Race
12:30 PM: Grand Prix Sunday: Italian GP build-up
2 PM: THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX
4 PM: Chequered Flag: Italian GP reaction
5 PM: Ted’s Notebook
*Coverage also available on Sky Sports Main Event*
The 2025 Formula 1 season continues this weekend with the highly-anticipated Italian Grand Prix, featuring Lewis Hamilton’s much-awaited appearance at Monza, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime!