Dunne becomes first Irishman to win in Formula 2 with victory in Bahrain

With a victory in the Feature Race at Round 2 of the FIA Formula 2 Championship at Bahrain International Circuit on Sunday, Alex Dunne from Co. Offaly has become the first Irishman to win a Formula 2 race.

Dunne was the winner of the 2021 Sexton Trophy for Young Racing Driver of the Year, and holds the record for youngest ever winner of the award. Dunne signed on as part of the McLaren Driver Development programme in late 2024 ahead of his move up the racing ladder to Formula 2 with Rodin Racing.

After a tricky and rain-soaked opening round in Australia, the series headed to Bahrain where Dunne opened the weekend with some quick times that were unfortunately not converted to success in Saturday's sprint race with some costly errors proving detrimental in his quest for maiden championship points. 

"I think we started the Sprint Race really strong and then after the Safety Car, the second Safety Car restart, I think definitely didn’t do the job that I hold myself to a certain level", said Dunne in his post-race press conference. 

Sunday was a different story entirely. An impressive qualifying session meant Dunne started 4th on the grid for the Feature Race, and seized all opportunities afforded to him with some key passes and a well-timed pitstop allowing the 19-year-old to not just get his first points at the championship level, but also his first win. 

After the race, images of Dunne and McLaren boss Zak Brown celebrating, the Irish tricolour displayed above the top-step of the podium, and jubilant papaya-clad crew members flooded Irish social media. 

“Super happy with the win. I think the team did a mega job and the car was in the exact sweet spot. So I’m super, super happy and looking forward to Jeddah next week.”

Dunne is now just one point behind championship leader Leonardo Fornaroli as the series heads to Saudi Arabia for Round 3 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.