Both McLaren and Ferrari have chosen to deploy rookies during the first free practice for the Austrian Grand Prix. Representing the British team, 19-year-old Alex Dunne will be in action for the first time, while Scuderia once again opts for 21-year-old Dino Beganovic. In line with the revised guidelines for deploying inexperienced drivers, new names are increasingly appearing on the scene during the first free practices.
In recent years, Formula 1 teams were required to deploy a rookie twice per season during a free practice, allowing young talents to acclimate to the highest class of motorsport. To further expand their testing opportunities, teams are required from 2025 to let an inexperienced driver step in four times a year. All regular drivers must therefore give up their car twice. With the increasing number of street circuits and as many as six sprint weekends, this is easier said than done.
Rookies in Austria
For Alex Dunne, this will be his first official appearance in a Formula 1 session. The Irish talent has been competing in Formula 2 with Rodin Motorsport since this year, where he leads the championship with 87 World Championship points, ahead of Dutchman Richard Verschoor. He described his debut in Lando Norris‘s car as a great opportunity: “I’m really looking forward to driving laps in the MCL39 and supporting the team with the setup for the upcoming race weekend. I have prepared well for the session, tested with the MCL60, and spent time in the simulator.” Later this year, Pato O’Ward will take a free practice in Mexico City. How the remaining sessions at McLaren will be filled is not yet known.Ferrari announced in March that Dino Beganovic would make his debut during the first free practice in Bahrain. The Swedish-British talent is set to take action again at the Red Bull Ring. Following Charles Leclerc, Arthur Leclerc, Robert Shwartzman, and Oliver Bearman, he is the fifth Ferrari junior to drive in an official Formula 1 session. In Austria, he will take over Leclerc’s car. “I am very excited to participate in a free practice with Ferrari again this weekend,” Beganovic responded. “Bahrain was a special experience, and I am grateful to get another chance so early in the season. Spielberg is also the perfect place for a new test session,” he concluded.
Alex Dunne and Dino Beganovic during a press conference in Imola. Both rookies will take action in Austria in the first free practice.
