The Bahrain International Circuit resonated with amhrán na bhFiann as 19-year-old Alex Dunne stood atop the podium, marking a monumental achievement as Ireland’s first-ever Formula 2 race winner earlier this month [3].

However, the celebrations were short-lived. Dunne immediately boarded a plane to Saudi Arabia, preparing for the next challenge in Jeddah. The demanding race schedule left little room to savor the historic victory.

The Road to Formula 2

Dunne describes his journey as pretty typical, beginning with karting at age nine. He spent a year and a half competing in Ireland, followed by two years racing in the United Kingdom and another two in European karting. His initial spark for racing ignited while sitting on his father’s lap at Mondello, Kildare.

I started racing because of him. He was a relatively good driver in his day [in Formula Ford]. I think I’m better now, but he was pretty good. I’d always hear people talk about him, saying, you know, your dad is very good. That was always pretty cool to hear.

Alex Dunne

Eyes on Formula 1

Dunne’s ultimate ambition is to reach Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport. He has been rapidly ascending through the ranks of lower-tier racing categories.

He noted:

I think I saw a stat on Instagram the other day that I’ve never done more than one full season in a feeder series championship. So I’ve kind of just done a year of everything and moved up pretty quickly.

Alex Dunne

While rapid advancement is notable, Dunne acknowledges that success requires more than just speed. Securing a seat in higher categories demands strong results, sponsorship, and recognition from top teams.

This year, six rookie drivers transitioned from F2 to F1, marking the largest intake in over a decade. Dunne views this trend positively:

It’s nice to see, as that’s not always what happens, but hopefully in the few years to come, we can continue like that, and I can get an possibility.

Alex Dunne

Despite being new to F2, dunne is already focused on the next step: driving an F1 car.Formula 1 teams must run junior drivers during four separate practice sessions (twice in each of their cars) at race weekends, a requirement that has doubled in 2025.

Dunne believes his performance in Bahrain has significantly boosted his chances:

The chance of me getting an FP1 is obviously going to be much higher if I keep on doing what I did in bahrain. So if we can kind of continue to do that and have good results, then I would like to think that the possibility of driving an F1 car this year is possible.

Alex Dunne

mclaren’s Driver Progress Program

Dunne’s talent has garnered attention from McLaren, the current World Constructors’ Champions in F1, leading to his inclusion in their Driver Development Programme last year.

the program provides comprehensive support:

It involves all the stuff you’d want as a junior driver; having nutrition and fitness help,access to the sim and stuff at McLaren,which has been beneficial for me. my dad has always been my driver coach, but when I signed with McLaren, a guy called Warren Hughes, who used to be a racing driver as well, is now my

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