For a relatively small island nation, Ireland has an outsized passion for motorsport. While the roar of a Formula 1 engine might seem a world away from the winding country roads of the Emerald Isle, a surprising number of talented drivers have emerged from Ireland to compete at the pinnacle of motor racing.
From the early days of the championship to the exciting prospects of the future, the story of Irish F1 drivers is one of raw talent, grit, and an unwavering pursuit of speed.
And what a moment it is! As of Friday, June 27, 2025, a new chapter in this rich history is being written. Young Offaly star Alex Dunne F1 is set to become the first Irish driver to take part in an F1 race weekend in 22 years, stepping into Lando Norris’ McLaren for the opening practice session at the Austrian Grand Prix.
This is a monumental step for the 19-year-old and F2 championship leader, bridging a gap of more than two decades since the last Irish driver participated in an official F1 session.
The excitement is palpable, with Redditors on r/ireland noting, “Alex Dunne has just finished 4th in his FP1 debut. Less than 0.1s away from World Championship leader Oscar Piastri,” and another commenting, “Alex Dunne in Austria f1 free practice.” This signals a promising future for Irish F1 drivers current and future.
A Legacy of Speed: Famous Irish F1 Drivers Names
In total, 11 drivers from the island of Ireland have raced in F1, with five of those racing under the Republic of Ireland’s tricolour. The other six hailed from Northern Ireland, competing under the Union Jack due to regulations predating the Good Friday Agreement, though many proudly identified as Irish. Let’s delve into the remarkable careers of these Irish F1 drivers names:
Drivers from the Republic of Ireland:
- Ralph Firman (2003): The last Irish driver to race in F1 before Dunne’s recent FP1 appearance, Firman raced under a tricolour for Eddie Jordan’s team in the 2003 season. Born in Norfolk but eligible to race under an Irish licence, he scored a single point, finishing 8th in the 2003 Spanish Grand Prix. His career was marked by a massive crash in Hungary, but his place as a recent Irish F1 driver Eddie (Jordan, team owner) sought out is notable.
- Tommy Byrne (1982): One of the most notorious figures in Irish motorsport folklore, Tommy Byrne finally got his crack at F1 in 1982. Described by Irish F1 team owner Eddie Jordan as better than Schumacher and Senna, Byrne was lightning quick but struggled off track – a story immortalized in the famed book Crashed and Byrned. His time in F1 was brief and underwhelming, but his career is remembered as one of the most enduring figures in Irish motorsport, even inspiring an Irish F1 driver documentary.
- David Kennedy (1980): Sligo’s David Kennedy entered seven Grands Prix in 1980. In a cruel twist of fate, his only qualified start at the Spanish Grand Prix was ultimately stripped of championship status due to a dispute between governing bodies. He later became a popular pundit on RTÉ’s F1 coverage.
- Derek Daly (1978-1982): Though he never stood on an F1 podium, Dubliner Derek Daly came agonizingly close to winning the 1982 Monaco Grand Prix, briefly leading on the penultimate lap in a chaotic finish. He claimed several points finishes across a five-year F1 career, later enjoying success in Champ Car in the United States. His son, Conor Daly, is now a regular contender in IndyCar races.
- Joe Kelly (1950-1951): Ireland had a representative on the grid at the very first official F1 world championship race in 1950, with Dubliner Joe Kelly entering a privateer Alta in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. He would enter the same race the following year, failing to finish on either occasion.
Drivers from Northern Ireland:
- Eddie Irvine (1993-2002): Undoubtedly one of the most famous Irish F1 drivers, Eddie Irvine was oh so close to winning the world championship in 1999. Debuting for Jordan in 1993 (famously being punched by Ayrton Senna after unlapping himself!), Irvine later moved to Ferrari, where he drove alongside Michael Schumacher. With Schumacher injured, Irvine won four races and finished just two points behind Mika Häkkinen. Is Eddie Irvine Irish or British? While he raced under a British flag due to FIA regulations, the Belfast native famously identified as Irish, stating, “At the end of the day, I’m Irish… ‘British’ is…such a nondescript thing, isn’t it?” On several occasions, the tricolour was flown over Irvine on the podium, and he later requested a neutral shamrock flag be flown instead. What is Eddie Irvine doing now? Post-F1, Irvine has been involved in business ventures, including property development and ownership of Eddie Irvine Sports, a leisure facility in Bangor.
- John Watson (1973-1985): With the longest F1 career of any Irish driver (154 entries), most race wins (5), multiple top-five championship finishes, and as the only Irish driver to sit on pole position, Belfast-born John Watson holds a strong claim to being the greatest ever Formula One driver from this island. His first win came at the 1976 Austrian Grand Prix. He achieved remarkable success with McLaren, including winning from 22nd on the grid at the 1983 US Grand Prix West – the lowest starting spot any driver has ever won an F1 race from. After retirement, Watson has become a popular F1 broadcaster.
- Martin Donnelly (1989-1990): Belfast native Martin Donnelly’s F1 career was brief and tragically cut short by a brutal crash at the 1990 Spanish Grand Prix, an incident familiar to anyone who has watched the film Senna. Incredibly, Donnelly recovered to enjoy a successful career in other racing series, even inspiring Brad Pitt’s character in a recently released F1 movie.
- Kenny Acheson (1983-1985): From Cookstown in County Tyrone, Acheson entered 10 F1 races, with a best finish of 12th. He later enjoyed great success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, claiming three podiums.
- Damien Magee (1975-1976): Belfast’s Damien Magee made his F1 debut at the 1975 Swedish Grand Prix, finishing 14th in his only F1 Grand Prix finish.
- Desmond Titterington (1956): Born near Rory McIlroy’s hometown of Holywood, County Down, Desmond Titterington entered only one F1 race, retiring from the 1956 British Grand Prix.
The New Generation: Irish F1 Drivers 2025 and Beyond
The recent news of Alex Dunne F1 debut in FP1 is a huge boost for Irish motorsport. Where is Alex Dunne from in Ireland? He hails from County Offaly, a county in the heart of the Republic. Alex’s impressive climb through the junior ranks – fighting for the F2 title and now getting a taste of an F1 weekend with McLaren (who he joined as part of their Driver Development Programme in May 2024) – has many excited for the future. As a Redditor noted, “Alex Dunne is set to step up to Formula 2 for 2025, becoming the first ever Irish driver to race at that level.” This clearly signifies he is the Irish guy in F2, and potentially much more.
While there isn’t currently an Irish McLaren driver in a full-time F1 race seat, Dunne’s participation in a practice session is a significant indicator of his potential. The goal for drivers like Dunne is to become one of the Irish F1 drivers current or in the very near future.
Who is the Irish guy in F1? For now, Alex Dunne is the most prominent Irish male talent pushing for a full-time F1 seat. As for who is the Irish girl in F1? While there isn’t a female Irish driver currently in Formula 1, figures like Bernadette Collins, a Northern Irish strategy analyst for Sky Sports and F1TV and former Aston Martin F1 strategy engineer, show the strong female presence from Ireland in other crucial roles within the sport. Who is Aoife Dunne? Aoife Dunne is an Irish digital installation artist, known for her immersive environments and not directly involved in F1. Where is Owen Mac from in Ireland? Owen Mac is a young singer from Coleraine, Northern Ireland, also not related to F1.
The Irish Connection to Formula 1 Beyond the Drivers
The Irish footprint in F1 isn’t limited to just those behind the wheel. Eddie Jordan, the legendary F1 team owner, is arguably one of the most recognizable Irish figures in the sport’s history. His eponymous team, Jordan Grand Prix, competed in F1 from 1991 to 2005, giving many notable drivers their start, including Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill, and, as mentioned, Irish F1 driver Eddie Irvine and Ralph Firman. Jordan’s charismatic personality and astute business acumen made him a beloved and significant Irish F1 team owner.
FAQs on Irish F1 Drivers & Beyond:
Was there any Irish F1 drivers?
Yes, there have been 11 drivers from the island of Ireland who have competed in Formula 1 Grands Prix. Five raced under the Republic of Ireland’s flag, and six from Northern Ireland raced under the British flag (pre-Good Friday Agreement).
Where is Alex Dunne from in Ireland?
Alex Dunne is from County Offaly, a county located in the midlands of the Republic of Ireland.
What is Eddie Irvine doing now?
Eddie Irvine is largely retired from professional racing but remains active in business, particularly in property development. He also owns and operates Eddie Irvine Sports, a leisure complex in Bangor, Northern Ireland, offering karting, paintballing, and other activities.
Who is the Irish McLaren driver?
As of July 2025, Alex Dunne is the most prominent Irish McLaren driver, having participated in his first F1 Free Practice session with the team. While he’s not a full-time race driver yet, he is part of McLaren’s Driver Development Programme.
Who is the Irish guy in F1?
Currently, Alex Dunne is the most prominent Irish male driver making significant strides towards a full-time F1 seat, having made his FP1 debut. Historically, Eddie Irvine and John Watson are the most famous Irish male F1 drivers.
Who is the Irish girl in F1?
There is no Irish female driver currently competing in Formula 1. However, Northern Ireland’s Bernadette Collins is a highly respected strategy analyst for Sky Sports and F1TV, showcasing Irish female talent in significant F1 roles off-track.
Who is the Irish guy in F2?
Alex Dunne is currently competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, making him the Irish guy in F2 to watch.
Where is Owen Mac from in Ireland?
Owen Mac is a singer from Coleraine, Northern Ireland. He is not involved in Formula 1.
Has there ever been an Irish Grand Prix?
Yes, there have been historical “Irish International Grand Prix Motor Races” held in the Phoenix Park in Dublin from 1929 to 1931. However, Ireland has never hosted a round of the modern Formula 1 World Championship.
Is Eddie Irvine Irish or British?
Eddie Irvine is from Northern Ireland. While he competed under a British licence due to regulations at the time, he has publicly stated that he identifies as Irish.
Did Bernie Ecclestone drive in F1?
Bernie Ecclestone, the long-time former supremo of Formula 1, did attempt to qualify for two F1 Grands Prix in 1958 (Monaco and British) as a privateer, but he did not qualify for either race. His impact on F1 came primarily through his business and management roles.
What nationality are most F1 drivers?
Historically, the United Kingdom has produced the most Formula 1 drivers, with 163 drivers. Other prominent nationalities include Italian, French, American, and Brazilian drivers.
The story of Irish F1 drivers is far from over. With young talents like Alex Dunne rising through the ranks, the emerald green flag might just be flying over an F1 podium once again in the not-too-distant future. The passion for speed and engineering clearly runs deep in the Irish soul, and the world of Formula 1 is all the richer for it.
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