Beganovic Impresses in Bahrain as Ferrari Exams First SF-25 Upgrades
Ferrari’s 2025 Components 1 marketing campaign has began on unsure footing, however the Bahrain Grand Prix marked a pivotal second because the staff launched its first main improve package deal of the season. Whereas outcomes thus far have been combined, the weekend in Sakhir introduced the Scuderia their most encouraging efficiency up to now, each by way of factors and technical development.
The Maranello-based squad arrived in Bahrain with 4 new elements aimed toward addressing a few of the limitations of the SF-25. Although each Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc had expressed dissatisfaction with the automotive’s steadiness and total drivability earlier within the season, the newest developments paid off. Ferrari walked away with a strong 22 factors from the weekend, trimming their deficit to Crimson Bull within the constructors’ standings.
Friday’s FP1 session final weekend provided the Briton his first likelihood to judge the up to date package deal, however his teammate Charles Leclerc quickly stepped apart to make room for Ferrari Academy expertise Dino Beganovic. The 21-year-old Swedish-Bosnian driver, at present racing in Components 2, made his long-awaited debut behind the wheel of a Components 1 automotive throughout an official Grand Prix weekend.
Though Dino Beganovic had beforehand been thought of for a reserve driver position in 2025, Ferrari in the end opted for extra skilled names—Antonio Giovinazzi and Zhou Guanyu. Nonetheless, the Bahrain outing provided him a platform to exhibit his potential. And by a number of accounts, he didn’t waste the chance.
How Dino Beganovic Caught the Eye in Bahrain FP1
Throughout The Race F1 Podcast, motorsport journalist Edd Straw reviewed the performances of the six rookies who took half within the opening observe session in Bahrain. He revealed that regardless of powerful monitor situations and restricted operating time, Beganovic stood out as probably the most composed and adaptable among the many newcomers. The session, described as one of many lowest-grip dry FP1s in latest reminiscence, offered a big problem for all concerned.
Straw, who noticed from trackside on the technical Flip 9-10 part, famous that whereas different rookies—together with extra skilled names like Felipe Drugovich—delivered predictable performances, Beganovic provided one thing extra dynamic. Lewis Hamilton, he defined, was caught out a number of instances through the session as a result of tough grip ranges, whereas Dino Beganovic maintained higher management of his automotive and rapidly tailored to the evolving situations.
Straw stated the Ferrari junior confirmed clear indicators of studying and experimenting, adjusting his strains and method whereas nonetheless adhering to the staff’s technical programme. It was an illustration not simply of uncooked tempo, however of race intelligence and maturity—one thing groups worth extremely when evaluating younger drivers for future alternatives.
Different FP1 members included Luke Browning (Williams), Ryo Hirakawa (Haas), Ayumu Iwasa (Crimson Bull), Frederik Vesti (Mercedes), and Felipe Drugovich (Aston Martin). Straw highlighted Browning as one other standout, suggesting his driving appeared cleaner than common driver Alex Albon’s, although the session format restricted his potential to showcase his full potential.
Can Beganovic Break Into F1 by 2026?
The podcast additionally turned to the query of which rookie is finest positioned to safe a full-time Components 1 seat within the close to future. Straw recommended that whereas not one of the six drivers at present have an apparent path onto the 2026 grid, Beganovic may need the strongest exterior likelihood—although seemingly not with Ferrari straight.
Given the long-term contracts and type of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, there’s little indication {that a} seat will turn out to be accessible at Ferrari any time quickly. Moreover, Oliver Bearman, one other extremely rated Ferrari junior, is extensively seen because the front-runner for any future emptiness inside the staff.
Nevertheless, there could also be different routes for Dino Beganovic. With Cadillac set to enter F1 and planning to make use of Ferrari energy items from 2026, there exists a possible partnership pathway. A staff like Cadillac, doubtlessly in search of rookie expertise with Ferrari affiliations, may supply Beganovic a spot on the grid—offered he delivers an excellent marketing campaign in Components 2 this yr.
The problem is formidable. Ferrari’s academy is among the best driver programmes in motorsport, and breaking via requires extra than simply uncooked velocity. Dino Beganovic might want to proceed proving himself below strain and exhibit that he can ship persistently throughout a demanding F2 season.
Nonetheless, his efficiency in Bahrain served as a reminder of his potential. If he can construct on that momentum, the dialog a few 2026 F1 seat could quickly start to shift in his favour.
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