Ferrari has confirmed that Dino Beganovic will replace Charles Leclerc during the first practice session (FP1) at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix. This marks the second occasion this season that Beganovic will take Leclerc’s place during a practice session, having also driven for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix in March.
Leclerc’s absence from the practice sessions has raised questions about its potential impact on his performance, especially after he missed significant running at the Canadian Grand Prix due to a serious crash during FP1. That incident was widely seen as affecting his qualifying result, where he was notably outqualified by Lewis Hamilton for the second consecutive event.
Regulations requiring rookie drivers affect team lineups
According to Formula 1 regulations, every team must deploy a rookie driver in at least two practice sessions during the 2025 season, an increase from the single-session requirement per car in 2024. This rule has influenced Ferrari’s decision to introduce Beganovic in multiple FP1 sessions to satisfy the mandate while giving their developing driver experience on the track.
Background on Ferrari’s developing talent Dino Beganovic
At 21 years old, Dino Beganovic is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2020 and has gradually climbed the motorsport ladder. He made his Formula 1 debut in FP1 at the Bahrain Grand Prix earlier this year, finishing 14th in that session and ranking second among the rookies present.
Beganovic currently competes in Formula 2 with Hitech Racing and holds 10th place in the drivers’ standings after securing two podium finishes this season. Prior to this, he won the Formula Regional European Championship in 2022 and showed strong performances in Formula 3 with Prema Racing during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Prospects and implications of Beganovic’s involvement in F1 sessions
Beganovic’s recurring appearances in FP1 sessions represent Ferrari’s commitment to nurturing young talent while complying with FIA regulations. His experience gained in these sessions is valuable not only for his development but also in providing Ferrari with additional data during race weekends. For Leclerc, missing these practice opportunities may pose challenges, especially at demanding circuits like Austria, where track time is crucial for optimal setup and strategy.
