At the 2025 Belgian GP, Rodin Motorsport’s Alex Dunne once again proved his reputation as one of the most adaptable and well-rounded young drivers currently racing in F2. Earlier in the season, he claimed his maiden F2 victory in Bahrain under blistering, desert heat. Months later, he returned to the top step on the road at Spa-Francorchamps in a race run in cold, damp and unpredictable conditions.
Dunne’s performance was a masterclass in consistency and composure, showcasing a level of versatility that is rare for a driver still in the early stages of his F2 career. Speaking after the race, he revealed that his ability to adapt has been a defining part of his skill set since his early days in motorsport.
“I think that’s something I’ve always been relatively good at. I think my adaptability as a driver has always been probably my strongest point,” Dunne explained to the media, including Pit Debrief. “From different conditions to driving different cars, I think whatever it may be, I feel like I’ve always adapted relatively well and quite quickly.”
A season of learning and refinement
While Dunne’s adaptability comes naturally, he is quick to credit the role of the teams around him – both Rodin Motorsport in F2 and McLaren, with whom he works closely in F1 development.
“A lot of this year has also gone down to how much McLaren and Rodin helped me,” he said. “I looked through a lot of things with them to improve all areas of myself as a driver – what I can do better in certain scenarios. If I do something different, how will it turn out? And different things like that.”
This process of refinement has involved meticulous preparation, both on track and in simulation work. By examining every aspect of his approach – from race starts to tyre management – Dunne has built a toolkit that enables him to be competitive in a variety of circumstances.
“I’ve really focused on improving all areas to make sure that we hit the ground running in F2. So I’m happy that we’ve been quick in all conditions.”
Proving himself in the wet
Silverstone provided a major milestone earlier this season when Dunne tackled his first wet F2 Feature Race. Far from being unsettled by the challenge, he thrived in the tricky conditions and carried that experience forward to Spa.
“Silverstone was my first time in F2 in the rain and it went well and it’s gone well again this weekend [Belgian GP],” he recalled. “I’m very happy that we have the pace in all conditions. I think it shows not only me, but it shows I have the car to do it as well, which is exactly what you mean.”
At the 2025 Belgian GP, Dunne’s measured driving in changeable weather allowed him to convert pole position into what should have been his second win of the F2 season. Unfortunately, a ten-second time penalty for failing to engage the start set-up procedure on the formation lap dropped him from the top step of the podium to ninth place in the final classification.
Looking ahead to continued success
While the penalty cost him valuable points, it did nothing to diminish the statement made by his performance. Dunne left Belgium having proven that he can deliver front-running pace in any scenario, whether it be under the sweltering sun of Bahrain or in the wet and cool conditions of Spa.
With the championship fight entering its decisive stages, Dunne’s adaptability – honed through natural talent, relentless refinement, and the support of Rodin and McLaren – could prove decisive. His ability to analyse, adjust, and execute under vastly different circumstances makes him a formidable contender for the remainder of the 2025 season.
