F1 hopeful Alex Dunne set to receive over €30,000 in sport Ireland funding

Formula 1 hopeful and Offaly native Alex Dunne has been approved to receive over €30,000 in funding from Sport Ireland.

The current Formula 2 driver with Rodin Motorsport is part of the Alpine Academy and recently renewed his bid for the F2 title by winning the showcase race at Baku. The 20-year-old was previously in McLaren’s Academy and has been linked with moves to F1 with Alpine next season.

Alex Dunne has been racing since he was 8 years old, and the funding will be distributed through Motosport Ireland.

Alex Dunne. Pic: James Sutton – Formula 1/Formula Motorsport Limited via Getty Images

The funding comes after persistent representation from Fine Gael’s TD for Offaly, John Clendennen, including a meeting in Leinster House with the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, Department officials and Noel Dunne, father to Alex.

Speaking to the Irish Independent , Clendennen welcomed the funding. ‘I am delighted that Alex’s generational talent and achievements on the international stage have been recognised through this funding commitment. Seeking support and funding for Alex is something I have been working on since December 2024,’ Clendennen said.

‘Alex is competing at an extraordinarily high level, representing Ireland on the international motorsport stage and demonstrating the ability of young Irish athletes to compete with the very best in the world.

Fine Gael TD John Clendennen. Pic: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos

‘Having engaged directly with Minister O’Donovan, Sport Ireland and Motorsport Ireland on this issue, as well as other potential stakeholders, I welcome the positive outcome and particularly acknowledge the Minister’s continued engagement in seeking a resolution.’

Clendennen also called on the government to provide more funding in the future for elite non-Olympic sports.

‘The challenge now is to move beyond individual cases and establish a clear, consistent and sustainable pathway for athletes competing in all sports at an elite international level,’ he said.

Race winner Alex Dunne of Ireland and Rodin Motorsport (15) celebrates on the podium during the Round 12 Baku Feature race 1 of the Formula 2 Championship. Pic: James Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

‘These athletes face considerable costs associated with training, travel, equipment, competition and career progression. In many cases, financial backing can be a significant factor in determining whether a talented young competitor can continue progressing through the international ranks.’

He added: ‘It is about ensuring that our approach to sporting excellence is sufficiently broad to recognise the diversity of international competition and the talented Irish people participating in it.

‘Alex Dunne’s achievements have already generated enormous interest and pride, particularly here in Offaly and the Midlands. His progress provides a powerful example of what determination, ability and the right opportunities can deliver.’