Lando Norris replacement's airs tear-jerking message after Austrian GP heroics

Alex Dunne, who replaced Lando Norris for the first practice session at the Austrian Grand Prix, offered a heartwarming message to his engineers and team-mates after turning in an eye-catching performance on debut. The Irishman was fourth-fastest behind only George Russell, Max Verstappen and team-mate Oscar Piastri, with the latter only one-tenth clear of the rookie on the timing screens.

This was a statement performance from Dunne, and the 19-year-old reacted with unbridled joy. "I want to say a massive thank you," he told race engineer Will Joseph on the radio. "I think a little boy's dream came true, and this is definitely the best day of my life. Thank you everyone for letting me do this, and thanks to Lando for letting me use his car."

Joseph and the McLaren garage were impressed by Dunne's performance under the spotlight. "You're very welcome," he replied to the teenager's message. "Good job as well. That was quite a busy session."

Dunne elaborated on his debut F1 session after climbing out of the cockpit. "I don't even know where to start," he said. "Super, super happy. I think it's safe to say it went pretty well. You know, I think we knew going through the session that the goal wasn't necessarily for performance.

"It was more to help out the car, help Lando, and kind of just help the team improve as much as they can for FP2 and FP3 and onwards into the weekend. So to have the pace that I had and show what I'm capable of on the F1 stage is something pretty special. So a massive thank you to McLaren and everyone for the opportunity, and I'm extremely grateful."

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The performance from Norris' FP1 replacement won't come as a surprise to those who have been following Dunne's Formula Two campaign. Heading into this weekend's round in Austria, the teenager leads the standings by three points from series veteran Richard Verschoor.

Dunne's rapid rise to prominence puts Zak Brown and Andrea Stella in a difficult spot. Ahead of the 2024 F2 campaign, McLaren signed reigning Formula Three champion Gabriel Bortoleto to their driver academy, but after pipping Isack Hadjar to the crown, he was left with no opportunities with the papaya team's F1 operation.

With no room at the inn, McLaren were forced to watch as he departed for Sauber. If Dunne continues his current trajectory and clinches the crown, Brown and Stella may have to wave goodbye to another sensational talent. The Irishman may be of interest to the new squad, Cadillac, who have two seats to fill ahead of their debut season.