Imagine stepping into an F1 car for the first time and feeling the thrill of speed and precision. This was the experience of Dino Beganovic at the Austrian Grand Prix in 2025, as he had a remarkable day supporting Ferrari during testing. His efforts not only showcased his talent but also highlighted Ferrari’s ongoing development in Formula 1.
Ferrari's Track Performance in Austria
The Austrian Grand Prix saw Ferrari in a phase of evaluation and development. While Lewis Hamilton faced technical issues limiting his running, Ferrari utilized the opportunity to test different tyre strategies and gather crucial data. Charles Leclerc took part in the session, focusing on medium and soft tyres, and finished fifth overall, indicating strong pace and reliability.
Dino Beganovic, a promising Ferrari Academy driver from Formula 2, was given a chance to drive Leclerc's car. Having completed his second practice outing, Beganovic expressed great satisfaction, describing his day as "extremely good." He completed 32 laps, testing both hard and soft tyre compounds, and managed to gather valuable data for the team. His feedback and smooth execution impressed the engineers, emphasizing his potential to be a future star in F1.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton's session was interrupted due to gearbox issues initially, but he later completed his programme by running different tyre compounds, ending in 10th place. His team worked diligently to analyze and improve the car’s performance, with a focus on reliability and speed.
The Role of Ferrari Academy Drivers
Ferrari’s strategy involves nurturing young talent through its Academy program. Drivers like Beganovic get opportunities to gain hands-on experience with F1 machinery, helping them develop skills that are crucial for their racing future. These sessions are vital for the team's long-term success, as they provide fresh perspectives and test new car components under real race conditions.
Beganovic’s successful outing underscores the importance of giving young drivers a platform to showcase their capabilities. He mentioned, "Running in an F1 car again feels extremely good," and thanked Ferrari for trusting him with this critical role. Such chances are invaluable for aspiring drivers, blending education with high-stakes racing.
This period of testing is essential for teams like Ferrari to refine their cars before the more competitive race stages. The data collected helps engineers fine-tune the setup, improve aerodynamics, and optimize tyre strategies. For drivers, it’s an opportunity to adapt to new updates and demonstrate their adaptability and skill under pressure.
As Ferrari continues its season, the integration of young talent like Beganovic promises to keep the team competitive and innovative. His impressive performance in Austria suggests a bright future, potentially promising new talent to watch in upcoming F1 seasons.
Overall, Ferrari’s approach this year reflects a balance between racing for results and investing in the future. Supporting young drivers and testing new setups at circuits like the Red Bull Ring is a strategy that could benefit them not just for this season but for many to come.
