Ferrari Driver Academy Talent Moves Up to F2 with DAMS Lucas.....

Ferrari Driver Academy Talent Moves Up to F2 with DAMS Lucas….. read more

In a surprising move following the Brazilian Grand Prix, Ferrari has confirmed that one of its rising stars, Dino Beganovic, will be stepping up to the Formula 2 grid for the remainder of the 2024 season. Beganovic, who has been a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) and has spent the last two seasons competing in Formula 3, will now join the renowned DAMS Lucas Oil team, replacing American driver Juan Manuel Correa for the upcoming races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

The timing of this announcement comes after a mixed weekend for Ferrari in Brazil. Charles Leclerc finished in a respectable fifth place, just behind race winner Max Verstappen and the two Alpine drivers, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, as well as Mercedes’ George Russell. However, his teammate Carlos Sainz was less fortunate, crashing out of the race amid treacherous track conditions. The results in Brazil dented Ferrari’s hopes of securing its first Constructors’ Championship since 2008, as they now trail leaders McLaren by 36 points with just three races remaining in the season. They are also 13 points ahead of defending champions Red Bull.

Despite the challenges at the tail end of the season, Ferrari remains optimistic for the future, especially with the arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who will join the team in 2025. However, this latest development adds another layer to Ferrari’s forward-looking strategy. While the team’s focus remains on the current championship battle, they have been nurturing young talent like Beganovic, who now has the chance to showcase his skills on a higher stage in F2.

Beganovic, at just 20 years old, has shown considerable promise in Formula 3. The Swedish driver has been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy since his early days in motorsport and has consistently demonstrated his potential in junior single-seater categories. His progression to F2 is seen as a natural step in his career, marking a significant milestone for the young driver as he takes on one of the most competitive racing environments in motorsport.

DAMS Lucas Oil, the team that Beganovic will be joining, is one of the most respected and successful teams in Formula 2, with a storied history of achievements. The team has built a reputation for developing talent and achieving strong results in the highly competitive championship. Beganovic will be looking to make an immediate impact with DAMS, a team known for its ability to bring out the best in its drivers.

Speaking about the opportunity, Beganovic expressed his excitement and ambition, stating, “I can’t wait to make my Formula 2 debut with DAMS Lucas Oil, who has so much history as well as a tremendous drive to achieve great results. This feels like the natural next step in my career, and I’m ready for the challenge in an extremely competitive championship.” He went on to outline his goals for the upcoming races, adding, “My aim for these two races is to learn as much as possible and to be scoring points in my first F2 action in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.”

Beganovic’s move to F2 is part of Ferrari’s broader strategy of developing young talent through their Driver Academy. The FDA has been instrumental in fostering the careers of several notable drivers in recent years, with some, like Leclerc and Sainz, already making waves in Formula 1. As the team prepares for the future, bringing up young drivers through the ranks of F2 is a key part of ensuring a sustainable pipeline of talent for the F1 team in the years to come.

For Beganovic, the jump to F2 represents a significant challenge, but also a major opportunity. Formula 2 is known for its intensity and competitiveness, with many of the best drivers in the world fighting for a chance to make it to Formula 1. Beganovic’s ability to adapt quickly and deliver solid performances will be crucial as he prepares for the Qatar Grand Prix later this month, followed by the Abu Dhabi season finale in December.

His time in F2 will be closely watched, not only by Ferrari but also by fans and pundits who are eager to see if the young Swede can make a seamless transition into the top tier of junior single-seater racing. While his immediate goals are focused on gaining experience and collecting points, the move is undoubtedly part of a longer-term plan to develop him into a future F1 contender.

In conclusion, Dino Beganovic’s move to Formula 2 with DAMS Lucas Oil marks an exciting new chapter in his racing career. As a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, he is poised to make an impact in the sport’s second tier, learning and growing under the guidance of one of the most respected teams in the category. With the next two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi ahead of him, Beganovic will be aiming to show what he can do on the international stage as he continues his journey toward Formula 1.