Young Swedish driver Dino Beganovic has officially taken his first step into the world of Formula 1. He made his debut during the first free practice session (FP1) of the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix, driving for the legendary Scuderia Ferrari HP team. This marks a major milestone in his racing journey and a proud moment for the Ferrari Driver Academy.
At just 21 years old, Beganovic became the fifth driver from the Ferrari Driver Academy to drive in an official F1 session for Ferrari. He now joins a prestigious list that includes current F1 star Charles Leclerc, his younger brother Arthur Leclerc, Robert Shwartzman, and Oliver Bearman. For Beganovic, this opportunity is not just a dream come true, but also a clear signal that Ferrari sees great potential in him.
The practice session took place at the Bahrain International Circuit, a challenging and technical track known for its mix of long straights and tight corners. Beganovic was behind the wheel of the SF-25, Ferrari’s 2025 Formula 1 car. He filled in for Charles Leclerc, as part of a regulation by Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA. The rule requires teams to run a rookie driver—someone who has started fewer than two Grands Prix—in at least two free practice sessions during the season.
Beganovic completed a total of 20 laps in FP1 without any issues. He finished the session in 14th place, a strong showing for a debutant in such a competitive field. Despite the pressure, he looked confident and composed behind the wheel. It was also a special occasion as he shared the track with Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion who joined Ferrari for the 2025 season. Driving on the same circuit as Hamilton is something many young drivers only dream about.
Beganovic’s road to Formula 1 has been steady and impressive. He began karting at the age of 8 in Sweden and quickly rose through the ranks. By 2018, he had already won the Swedish OK Junior Karting Championship and made a name for himself on the European scene. In 2020, he made the jump to single-seaters, racing in the Italian Formula 4 Championship. That year, he picked up a race win and several podium finishes, ending the season third overall.
His performances caught the attention of the Ferrari Driver Academy, which signed him in 2020. Since then, he has been under Ferrari’s wing, developing his skills and gaining experience in various junior categories. In 2022, he competed in the Formula Regional European Championship, where he claimed the title with Prema Racing. He then moved up to the FIA Formula 3 Championship and later to Formula 2, where he currently races with Hitech Grand Prix in the 2025 season.
Now, as a full-time Formula 2 driver, Beganovic is balancing a busy schedule. Racing in F2 is already intense, with drivers competing on the same weekends as Formula 1. Adding F1 free practice sessions to his calendar shows the level of trust Ferrari has in him—and how serious they are about his future.
After the FP1 session, Beganovic shared his thoughts: “Driving the SF-25 in an official Formula 1 session was an amazing experience. I’ve dreamed of this moment for years, and I’m very thankful to Ferrari for giving me this chance. The car felt incredible, and I’ve learned so much just from this one session. I’ll take everything I’ve learned today and use it to keep growing as a driver.”
This debut is likely just the beginning for Beganovic. Ferrari has a long history of developing young talent through its Driver Academy. Charles Leclerc, now a leading figure at Ferrari, is one of the academy’s biggest success stories. If Beganovic continues to impress, it’s possible he could follow a similar path.
Beganovic’s story is also important for Sweden, a country that hasn’t had a major presence in Formula 1 for many years. If he continues to perform well, he could become a national hero and help bring Swedish motorsport back into the spotlight.
For Ferrari, this move reflects a well-thought-out strategy. By giving academy drivers like Beganovic valuable time in the F1 car, the team ensures its future lineup is strong, experienced, and prepared for the top level of racing. With veterans like Lewis Hamilton currently in the team, younger drivers also benefit from mentorship and world-class feedback.
As the 2025 season progresses, fans and motorsport insiders will be watching Beganovic’s performance closely—both in Formula 2 and any future chances he gets in Formula 1. His debut in Bahrain might have been just one session, but it has sent a powerful message: Dino Beganovic is ready for the big stage.
With talent, discipline, and the support of a team like Ferrari, the future is wide open for this promising young driver.
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