Alex Dunne's Thrilling F2 Performance in Austria: A Weekend to Remember
Alex Dunne secured second place in the Formula 2 feature race in Austria but lost the championship lead to Richard Verschoor. Read about his impressive weekend and F1 debut.

Alex Dunne's Formula 2 Journey in Austria
Ireland's rising star, Alex Dunne, delivered a remarkable performance at the Formula 2 feature race in Austria, finishing second but relinquishing the championship lead to Richard Verschoor. Starting from seventh on the grid, Dunne showcased his skill and determination, climbing through the ranks after an early pit stop for soft tyres.
A Close Battle
In the closing laps, Dunne applied significant pressure on Verschoor, narrowing the gap to just 1.1 seconds at the chequered flag. Despite his efforts, the Dutch driver maintained his lead, securing the win and taking a six-point advantage in the championship standings.
A Memorable Weekend
Dunne's weekend was nothing short of spectacular. Prior to his Formula 2 commitments, he made his Formula 1 debut with McLaren, setting the fourth fastest time in the opening practice session for the Austrian Grand Prix. This historic moment marked him as the first Irish driver to compete in an F1 weekend in 22 years.
Overcoming Challenges
The young driver faced adversity in the sprint race, where a poor start and a five-second penalty for a false start saw him drop to eighth. However, a last-lap crash involving four cars ahead allowed Dunne to recover to sixth, maintaining his championship lead by a single point.
Looking Ahead
Dunne's resilience and pace in the feature race demonstrated his potential, as he carved through the field after an early pit stop. Although he couldn't surpass Verschoor, his performance solidified his position as a serious contender in the Formula 2 championship.
Championship Standings
After round 7 of 14, the standings are as follows:
- Richard Verschoor (NED) - 114 points
- Alex Dunne (IRL) - 108 points
- Jack Crawford (USA) - 85 points
- Leonardo Fornaroli (ITA) - 83 points
- Luke Browning (GBR) - 81 points
- Arvid Lindblad (GBR) - 79 points
Dunne will be back in action at the British Grand Prix from 4-6 July, where he aims to reclaim the championship lead.
Related Topics: