F1 fans think star driver is in trouble as replacement shocks everyone in Austrian Grand Prix practice

Formula 1 fans have been reacting on social media after seeing the timesheet from the first practice session at the Austrian Grand Prix.

On Friday afternoon, the first practice session of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend took place around the Red Bull Ring.

Mercedes star George Russell, who won last time out in Canada, topped the timing sheet as he set the quickest time of 1:05.542.

The Brit was closely followed by Max Verstappen, who was just 0.065 seconds behind.

McLaren star and world championship leader Oscar Piastri was third, 0.155 seconds off Russell.

However, it was the other McLaren driver who caught the eye, and no, it wasn't Lando Norris.

Norris was replaced by young Irishman Alex Dunne, with the team required to put a rookie in the car in FP1 four times during a season.

Despite making his debut, Dunne, 19, produced a brilliant display as he managed to put his car in P4, just 0.224 off Russell and a mere 0.069 seconds adrift of Piastri.

Reacting on social media, one fan said: "Norris is cooked."

Another tweeted: "Proof that mclaren is a rocketship Lando can't maximize."

A third fan added: "Just goes to show how superior the McLaren car is. Give that to Max or Lewis and it's their Drivers Championship confirmed."

Someone else wrote: "Lando better up his game...."

A fifth joked: "SACK Norris for Dunne nooooow."

Another fan said: "You're Dunne for, Lando."

"I want to say a massive thank you. A little boy's dream came true, and this is definitely the best day of my life."

McLaren rookie Alex Dunne after Practice 1 🥹🟠 pic.twitter.com/W2so9PP89A

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) June 27, 2025

Dunne has been in impressive form for Rodin Motorsport in Formula 2 as he currently leads the championship by three points.

Speaking on his team radio after FP1, Dunne said: "I want to say a massive thank you. 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 as well for trusting me with his car."

Norris was back in the McLaren as FP2 got underway in Spielberg and ended up putting his car top of the standings.