After a composed and competitive showing in F2 Qualifying at the 2025 Belgian GP, Alex Dunne faced questions about his future—particularly in relation to a F1 seat. With no visible path into McLaren’s F1 setup, where he is a junior driver, speculation continues to grow around whether the 19-year-old could secure a place on the F1 grid elsewhere. However, Dunne avoids conjecture and stays focused on what he can control: winning the FIA F2 Championship.
Eyes on the prize: Win F2, earn F1
Dunne’s approach is pragmatic. Asked whether he was in discussions with teams outside McLaren, he was cautious but clear in his response, emphasising that performance in F2 remains the most effective way to stake his claim for F1.
“I don’t know how much I can answer, I think,” Dunne admitted to Pit Debrief and other media outlets. “I’ve said very clearly at the beginning of the year and throughout the year, particularly after I did my FP1 in Austria, that I think regardless of whether there’s a seat in McLaren or anywhere else, whatever it may be, I think for me the best opportunity I’m going to give myself of being an F1 driver is making sure I win F2.”
“I think for me that’s the sole goal at the minute,” he said, adding, “I think that’s all I can really focus on. I think realistically the rest of it is out of my control. And that’s why you have people around you to manage those things and try and put you in the correct position.”
It’s a mindset that reflects maturity and self-awareness. Alex Dunne knows he will not earn an F1 seat through speculation—but he might through sustained results. With multiple standout performances this season, he’s already making the kind of statement that teams cannot ignore. It is a statement only emboldened by his recent strong showing behind the wheel of the MCL39—McLaren’s 2025 F1 challenger.
Austria F1 debut: A key step on the ladder
Dunne’s F1 debut came earlier this year when he took part in Free Practice 1 at the 2025 Austrian GP—a moment that offered a glimpse into how close he is to reaching motorsport’s pinnacle. The experience boosted his confidence and reinforced his belief that he belongs at that level, even if there’s more work to do.
“I’d like to say that my performance in F1 in Austria was a showing that I’m capable of driving an F1 car. And I think every time I’ve driven the car since then, I’ve gotten better and better.”
Despite showing promising speed, Alex Dunne remains honest about his development. He’s under no illusions about the demands of F1, and he does not claim to be the finished product just yet.
“Of course, I wouldn’t say I’m ready for F1. There’s still a lot of things to learn. But I think every time I’ve been in a car, I’ve been fast.”
Consistency is key in F2
In F2, Dunne has been quietly building momentum. While others have seen fluctuating form, the Irishman, for the most part, has delivered a string of consistent results that have kept him in the title conversation. His performance in Qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps was another example of his ability to extract pace at a crucial time. He continues to approach each weekend with the same mindset: maximise points, minimise mistakes, and let the results speak for themselves.
“And we’re doing the same in F2 at the moment. So I think if we can continue that, then I’d like to say that for next year I should be ready for that.”
Dunne’s performances on track have caught the attention of team bosses, journalists, and fans alike—not through flashy media appearances, but through consistently strong drives, smart tyre management, and calm under pressure.
F1 dreams—but one step at a time
As the 2025 F2 season enters its critical final stages, Dunne’s goal is simple and singular: win the championship. Whether or not an F1 seat materialises for 2026, he knows that delivering a title-winning campaign is the most powerful argument he can make.
For now, the team around him handles discussions with teams, driver market speculation, and long-term plans. Dunne himself remains focused on the immediate challenge. It’s a measured approach from a driver who has both feet on the ground but eyes firmly set on the top step of motorsport.
