Alex Dunne has had a whirlwind of a year – from stepping into F1’s rookie session in Jeddah to FP1 in Austria and now testing the Gen3 Evo car for a full day in Berlin.

For 19-year-old Irishman Alex Dunne, breaking into top-tier motorsport is about more than raw speed – it’s about seizing the smallest of windows, showing up, adapting fast, and proving you belong.

After tasting F1 with McLaren and now building mileage in Formula E with NEOM McLaren, Dunne is quietly earning a reputation for his focus, humility, and rare ability to adapt quickly and confidently.

A Full Day In Gen3 Evo: From FP1 To The Rookie Test

Dunne’s first run in a Formula E car came during a brief FP1 session in Jeddah earlier in the season. But it wasn’t until the Rookie Test in Berlin that he really had time to stretch his legs.

“I think in 40 minutes in a car that you’ve never driven before, you don’t get the opportunity to fully understand and get used to it and be comfortable with the car,” Dunne admits. “So to have a full day, with lots of different plans and laps, was a great opportunity to fully understand and learn and really see what it feels like.”

It’s that kind of approach that’s making McLaren take notice.

“The fact that McLaren have the belief in me to give me so many opportunities… it’s a nice feeling. It shows they fully support me, which is really important as a young driver.”

Life In Papaya: Integrating With McLaren

Though Dunne is quick to clarify that his time with the NEOM McLaren Formula E team has been limited so far, it’s still been meaningful.

“It’s a nice opportunity to do something that’s still integrated within McLaren,” he says. “Even if I don’t take a whole lot from it to F2 or F1, just constantly learning and understanding new things – that’s what matters.”

Ready for a Race Weekend?

If you gave him a wildcard entry into a Formula E race tomorrow, Dunne knows exactly what he’d want more of.

“Time in the car,” he laughs. “I think there are three practice sessions over a weekend, so that would help. And I do think adapting quickly is one of my strengths; it’s something I really pride myself on as a driver.”

So where would he like to make that debut?

“I’d say Jeddah,” he says without hesitation. “I’ve driven there in F2; I had FP1 there as well… and I really enjoyed the track.”

Eyes Still On F1

Dunne’s long-term focus is clear: Formula 1.

When asked if he’d consider Formula E full-time, he’s honest:

“If the opportunity of F1 was no longer there, then possibly. But for me, the main goal is to be an F1 driver. That’s what I really want to achieve.”

In the meantime, though, he’s soaking up everything – building relationships, learning new machinery, and preparing for whatever path his future takes.

Wisdom From The Paddock

Even at 19, Dunne has already sat down with F1’s biggest names. One moment that’s stayed with him? A quiet conversation with McLaren F1 Team Principal Andrea Stella.

“He told me that sometimes you have to accept that pushing for that last little bit just isn’t going to happen. And that’s okay,” Dunne shares. “That stuck with me.”

Advice To His Younger Self?

“I think my younger self wouldn’t believe I am where I am today. Part of the McLaren Formula E team, doing F1 opportunities, racing in F2… I’d just say, ‘Keep going. Keep pushing. It’ll work out.’”

It’s a message that resonates with any young driver staring at a seemingly impossible dream, and proof that with a cool head, a fast right foot, and the right team behind you, the ladder is climbable.

Alex Dunne’s story is only just beginning, but if this season has shown anything, it’s that he’s learning fast, building quietly, and putting himself in all the right places. And in motorsport, sometimes, that’s all you need.

Watch the full interview with Alex Dunne now on YouTube.