Irish Young star Alex Dunne is set to replace Lando Norris to race for McLaren in the Austrian Grand Prix practice on Friday.
The 19-year-old will become the first Irish driver to participate in a Formula 1 weekend in 22 years when he takes the place of championship challenger Lando Norris.
Dunne has impressed as a development driver for McLaren in his first year in Formula 2, and has won two races while also leading the championship.
Norris is second in the drivers’ championship, 22 points behind teammate Oscar Piastri. World champions McLaren lead the constructors’ championship by 175 points going into round 11 in Austria.
According to the rules, F1 teams have to offer young or rookie drivers four practice sessions in the 24-race season.
Reserve driver Pato O’Ward will take part in first practice at the Mexican Grand Prix in October.
Dunne is delighted with the opportunity to race in Formula one for the first time in his career.
He said: “It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to drive during FP1 in Austria. I’m really looking forward to getting laps in behind the wheel of the MCL39 and supporting the team with the set-up for the race weekend ahead.
“I’ve been preparing well for the sessions, taking part in testing of previous cars tests in the MCL60 and spending time on the simulator, which has been a fantastic learning experience.”
Dunne will become the first Irish driver to participate in a grand prix weekend since Ralph Firman in 2003.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said the opportunity is to help give Dunne the exposure following his impressive performances in the Formula 2.
She said: “It’s great to be able to give Alex the opportunity to run in Free Practice 1 and for him to get valuable time behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car as part of his development.
“The team are pleased to be working with him more closely and for his support across the weekend, where he will be providing useful feedback to help with the car’s set-up.
“The rookie sessions are fantastic for seeing the talent of tomorrow and enabling that rare chance to get time in a current car, so we look forward to seeing him on track.”
