After an impressive sixth-place finish in the 2024 FIA Formula 3 championship, Dino Beganovic completes his step-up to F2 for the 2025 season. After two excellent rounds, from which he scored 22 points, with DAMS Lucas Oil in 2024, Beganovic has switched to the British Hitech TGR and will partner with Williams junior driver Luke Browning.
2024 Lusail and Yas Marina rounds “a good benchmark” for 2025
Like Browning, Beganovic does not enter the 2025 F2 season without experience. In 2024, after a successful F3 campaign, he was called up to F2 with DAMS Lucas Oil, replacing Juan Manuel Correa.
While the Swedish driver failed to score points in his debut race, after being spun around by Rodin Motorsport’s Ritomo Miyata, now with ART Grand Prix, he redeemed himself the next day, finishing the Qatar feature race fifth. Beganovic then claimed his first podium in the Yas Marina sprint race before finishing seventh in the feature. This saw him finish the championship 20th with 22 points.
Beganovic believes that these weekends brought him positive attention, proving that he is a fierce competitor ready for the challenges of the 2025 F2 season. Despite the eyes on him, however, Beganovic does not feel any additional pressure to perform. Instead, as he explained to the media, including Pit Debrief, he views his 2024 outings as “a good benchmark” upon which he can base his 2025 season, especially as he is comfortable with his new team.
“I think those two race weekends in Formula 2 were very positive from my side. It definitely changed how some people were looking at me after last year’s Formula 3 season, so I’m very happy for that.”
“Obviously, it was a very good two weekends. I think it’s a good benchmark to start this year off. I feel very good with my new team, high-tech, and I just can’t wait to start the season.”
2024 success gives Beganovic confidence for 2025 challenge
Instead of increasing the pressure on him, Beganovic believes that his previous success in F2 has improved his confidence in his abilities, and shows his potential as a championship contender.
“I don’t think it’s necessarily more pressure. It just shows that I’m able to do it, let’s say, and it just gives me more confidence for this year to be up there and contend for the championship.”
Ferrari support “means everything”, says Beganovic
As a member of the esteemed Ferrari Driver Academy since 2020, Beganovic has enjoyed the support of the Maranello-based team throughout his single-seater career. When asked about his relationship with Ferrari, he described it as something “very special”.
Well, to be a part of the Ferrari family is very special. I think it’s every kid’s dream to be a part of something this big. I would say one of the most iconic brands in the world, Ferrari.”
The support of the iconic brand “means everything” to Beganovic who admires the team for their support of young drivers including himself. He noted the team’s history of success, including with drivers promoted to F1 from their Driver Academy.
Among these drivers are the late Jules Bianchi who raced with Marussia from 2013 until his fatal injury at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, six-time F1 race winner Sergio Pérez who last competed with Red Bull, 2016 GP3 and 2017 F2 champion Charles Leclerc, an eight-time F1 race winner who enters his seventh season with the team, 2020 F2 champion Mick Schumacher, and incoming Haas F1 team rookie, Oliver Bearman.
To be there since a very long time now, having their support means everything.”
“Obviously, they’ve only had the best drivers in their F1 team and looking how they support their young drivers and wanting them to do well and be the driver in the future is something that I really admire.”
Beganovic “thankful” for the support of the Ferrari Driver Academy
As he prepares for his first full season in F2, Beganovic is thankful for the support of the Ferrari Driver Academy throughout his own career and believes that his development with them will allow him to fight at the front of the grid as he hopes to compete for a place in F1.
“I’m really thankful for their support.”
Obviously, it’s a step-by-step thing. We’ve had many years together now and it’s, let’s say, closing up at the top now of the Formula 2 season starting this year. It’s the last step before Formula 1. I think it’s really exciting times.”
He noted that his association with the team had given him the opportunity to test an F1 car for the first time at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. He described it as an “absolutely amazing experience”
“Obviously, I got my first outing in an F1 car earlier this year and it was absolutely amazing.”
However, while Beganovic is grateful for the opportunity, he intends to remain focused on the challenge ahead, identifying his main goal as a strong 2025 F2 campaign.
“At the same time, I’m fully focused on Formula 2. That’s my full focus for this year and my main goal for this year as well.”
The Swedish driver echoed the words of his new teammate Browning, stating that a stong F2 campaign was needed to open up opportunities for a senior career.
“I know in the past, if you have been doing well in Formula 2, the chances and the opportunities will come. Like Luke said, that’s the main focus and I think all the pieces will come together if you do well after that.”
He concluded, “I look forward to this year very much.”
Beganovic and Browning aiming for championship success with Hitech
Despite having repeatedly proved his talent behind the wheel, Beganovic does not disparage the disadvantages of being a rookie, especially against rivals with many more months of experience.
“I think, obviously, like Luke said, experience counts a lot.”
Despite both his and Browning’s relative inexperience, however, Beganovic believes that the team is capable of fighting for wins. He noted the success of Gabriel Bortoleto, who claimed the 2023 F3 and 2024 F2 titles as a rookie, before stepping up to F1 with Stake F1 Team.
“I think the prime example is Gabriel’s F3 and F2 season. It’s something I think a lot of people look up to.”
Beagnovic also believes that the good, respectful relationship between himself and Browning will allow them to work towards maximising Hitech’s success in the 2025 F2 season. He described working with Browning as “great” and stated that he believes that they can have a mutually beneficial relationship as they aim for the championship, and eventually, a place in F1.
“At the same time, like Luke said, we both have a lot of respect for each other and have always had in both F3, but also racing each other last year in F2. I think working with Luke so far has been great. I think also we can help the team and they can help us on our paths.”
“Our main goal is to win the championship this year, but the bigger goal is to both be in Formula 1 one day.”
“I can’t wait to keep working with them. Obviously, in Melbourne, kicking off the season in two weeks.”
