Piastri is set to sit out FP1 in Monza as Dunne takes over his car
Championship runaway leader Oscar Piastri is set to sit out the opening practice at the Italian Grand Prix, with McLaren's Formula 2 junior driver Alex Dunne due to complete his second FP1 outing of the season.
With Formula One set to sign off from the European season with the Italian Grand Prix, McLaren have now confirmed that Alex Dunne is set to drive Oscar Piastri's car in the opening one-hour practice at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
Dunne has been a member of the McLaren Driver Development Programme since 2024, and made his free practice debut in Formula One at this season's Austrian Grand Prix. In addition, he has also served as a reserve driver for McLaren in Formula E since 2024.
“I’m super excited to be back in the MCL39 for my second FP1 with McLaren. My first session in Austria was an extremely special day for me, but I think to do it again in Monza, which is a historic and prestigious track, is definitely going to put a very big smile on my face.
“I’m looking forward to building and improving on what was already a strong outing in Austria and helping Lando and Oscar as much as possible going into their weekend.”
Speaking ahead of this weekend's Italian Grand Prix, Andrea Stella revealed that the Woking-based outfit has completed its full review of the technical issues that forced Norris to retire from last Sunday's Dutch Grand Prix.
“Up next, we have the Italian Grand Prix, an event which many fans look forward to every year. It’s one of the most popular and fastest circuits on the calendar. We also look forward to seeing Alex Dunne return to the MCL39 in FP1.
"Last weekend was very much one of mixed emotions, but having fully reviewed Lando’s DNF internally, our full focus shifts to the remaining nine rounds of the Championship.
"We continue to be competitive, but we must not be complacent and must not take for granted that there is a fine line between challenging for victories and disappointment.
"The team and drivers remain motivated to maximise our pace this weekend, taking on the low-downforce challenges of Monza where we strive to continue our current level of competitiveness."
