While Lewis Hamilton’s secret Ferrari test stole headlines, the Scuderia had another driver quietly making his Formula 1 debut—but this time, without any fanfare, photos, or official acknowledgment.
Dino Beganovic, Ferrari’s rising Swedish talent, was given his first F1 test in Barcelona alongside Antonio Giovinazzi, yet Ferrari chose to keep it completely under wraps. But why?
Why Ferrari Went Silent on Beganovic’s First F1 Test
Unlike Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, or even Giovinazzi, who were all seen publicly driving the car, Beganovic’s participation was kept in the shadows. Ferrari did not deny it happened, but also never acknowledged it—a rare move, even for a team as secretive as Ferrari.
There are a few possible reasons for this secrecy:
1️⃣ Managing Expectations – Ferrari is notoriously protective of its young drivers, and publicizing a test can intensify scrutiny and pressure on an unproven talent.
2️⃣ Fast-Tracked Status – With Ollie Bearman stepping up to Haas full-time, Beganovic unexpectedly became Ferrari’s most senior junior driver, potentially putting him in line for bigger opportunities than initially planned.
3️⃣ F1 Development Role in 2025 – Beganovic is expected to be a key Ferrari simulator driver this year, meaning the team may not want to distract him with immediate race seat speculation.
Sometimes, secrecy is just for secrecy’s sake, but in this case, Ferrari may want to control the narrative as they quietly assess Beganovic’s potential.
From Overlooked to F1 Contender: Beganovic’s Unexpected Rise
Just a few months ago, Beganovic’s future with Ferrari was uncertain. His second season in Formula 3 wasn’t spectacular, finishing sixth in the standings, just as he did as a rookie.
However, Ferrari saw something beyond the results:
✅ A strong debut in F2 late in 2024 – scoring a podium and top-10 finishes in all four races.
✅ Valuable F1 simulator work – proving himself behind the scenes.
✅ Bearman’s promotion left a vacancy – making Beganovic Ferrari’s new leading junior driver.
With the superlicence points already secured, Beganovic is now eligible for more F1 outings, and this hidden test was a crucial step.
What’s Next? Could Beganovic Make His F1 Weekend Debut in 2025?
Now that Beganovic has completed his first F1 mileage, the next logical steps include:
🔴 Friday practice sessions in F1 – Possibly with Ferrari or Haas later this season.
🔴 Post-season Abu Dhabi test – A likely opportunity to further prove himself.
🔴 A reserve driver role? – Though Ferrari prefers Bearman or Giovinazzi, Beganovic is now a dark-horse contender for an emergency call-up.
His 2025 F2 season will be crucial. If he impresses, Ferrari might have to seriously consider his future in Formula 1.
Could Beganovic Be Ferrari’s Next F1 Driver?
Just months ago, an F1 opportunity seemed unlikely for Beganovic. Now, with a secret test under his belt and a prime development role, he could be one dominant F2 season away from a race seat.
For now, Ferrari is keeping things quiet—but if Beganovic continues to rise, they won’t be able to keep him hidden for long.