McLaren has confirmed that Oscar Piastri will not participate in the first practice session (FP1) of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza, with team development driver Alex Dunne stepping in as the Oscar Piastri FP1 replacement Monza. Piastri currently leads the drivers’ championship following his victory at the Dutch Grand Prix and a setback for teammate Lando Norris, holding a 34-point margin as the Formula 1 season moves to Italy.
Dunne, an Irish Formula 2 competitor, made his F1 debut in FP1 at the Austrian Grand Prix, where he replaced Norris and notably finished fourth in the practice session. This time, Dunne will swap in for Piastri, aiming to demonstrate his skills once more in front of the McLaren team.
Rookie Rule Drives Dunne’s FP1 Participation
Under F1 regulations for 2025, each team is required to run a rookie driver in at least two practice sessions per season, a rule which allows young drivers to gain valuable experience. Dunne’s FP1 appearance at Monza is part of this arrangement. Alpine’s Paul Aron will also make his FP1 debut at Monza, after previous practice outings with Sauber in the 2023 season.
Alongside these F1 sessions, Dunne remains actively engaged in the Formula 2 championship. He sits fifth in the standings, 30 points behind the leader Leonardo Fornaroli, despite encountering significant setbacks during the 2025 season.
Challenges and Opportunities in Dunne’s F2 Campaign
Dunne has faced notable difficulties in F2 this season. After winning the feature race at Spa, he was demoted due to a 10-place grid penalty caused by failing to activate the start procedure correctly. Additionally, he was disqualified from his second-place finish at the Red Bull Ring because of excessive wear on the car’s plank.
These issues have cost Dunne precious points and the potential lead in the F2 championship. Still, with four rounds remaining in Monza, Baku, Lusail, and Yas Island, the 19-year-old has several chances to recover his position and press for the title as he simultaneously gains recognition through his FP1 role with McLaren.
Implications of Dunne’s FP1 Role for McLaren and Beyond
Dunne’s opportunity to drive in FP1 at Monza serves multiple purposes for McLaren: it facilitates rookie contract compliance and provides insight into the capabilities of a promising young talent. Meanwhile, Piastri’s absence from FP1 does not affect his championship lead, but it highlights McLaren’s investment in developing upcoming drivers like Dunne.
As the Italian Grand Prix progresses, Dunne’s performance will be closely monitored by McLaren and F1 observers alike, setting the stage for his potential future within the sport while Piastri continues to command the championship lead heading into crucial races.
