Alex Dunne: Irish driver steps up to Formula 2 with Rodin Motorsport

Irish racing driver Alex Dunne will compete in Formula 2 in 2025, taking a further step towards his dream of entering Formula 1. The 19-year-old will race for Rodin Motorsport in the series just below Formula 1, competing alongside the top racing series.

Dunne has made remarkable progress in motorsports. In May 2024, he was signed by Formula 1 Constructors' Champion McLaren as a development driver. Prior to this, Dunne achieved two podium finishes in his debut season in Formula 3, representing MP Motorsport.

Dunne said: "I am looking forward to the upcoming season and thank everyone who has supported me to get to this point - I can't wait to give it my all." Last December, he represented Rodin in the Formula 2 post-season test in Abu Dhabi, achieving the third fastest lap time on the final day at the Yas Marina Circuit. His Rodin teammate will be Australian driver Christian Mansell, whose best result in Formula 3 was fifth place.

Rodin Motorsport Director and Team Manager Benn Huntingford said: "Alex's talent, dedication and passion for racing perfectly match our team's values and ambitions. We believe he will make a significant impact in the upcoming season and know he has the ability to enjoy a truly great season with the team."

Dunne dominated the 2022 British F4 Championship and won the title - a title previously won by McLaren Grand Prix winner Lando Norris. Before moving up to Formula 3 this year, he also finished runner-up in the GB3 Championship. In 2022, he also finished second in the Italian F4 Championship, behind Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who will join the Mercedes Formula 1 team in 2025 to replace Lewis Hamilton.

Dunne aims to become the first driver from the island of Ireland to compete in Formula 1 since four-time Grand Prix winner Eddie Irvine, whose last season was in 2002 with Jaguar. Adam Carroll from Portadown was the last driver to compete in Formula 2, participating in the series in 2005 and 2006, during which time he served as a test driver for the BAR Honda Formula 1 team.

In addition to his Formula 2 racing duties, Dunne will also serve as a reserve driver for the McLaren Formula E team and will represent the team in the rookie practice session in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on February 13. In the 2024 Formula 2 season, Rodin finished eighth in the teams' standings, led by Japanese driver Ritomo Miyata and Barbadian driver Zane Maloney, with Maloney finishing fourth in the drivers' championship, securing two wins and seven podium finishes.

The 2025 Formula 2 season includes 14 rounds with a total of 28 races, starting in Australia on March 15 and ending in Abu Dhabi on December 7.