The Ferrari junior academy has backed Dino Beganovic since the early stages of his single-seater career in 2020.
The Swedish driver hit the ground running and finished third in Italian F4, which is one of the more competitive Formula 4 series.
Beganovic continued his good form as he progressed up the ladder into FRECA before winning the championship two years later.
After a very impressive career in Formula 4 and at regional F3 level, he stepped up to FIA F3, where the margins on and off the track are much finer.
FIA F3 is a very difficult championship that is significantly more expensive than series such as FRECA and GB3.
Beganovic hasn’t yet put together a championship challenge since FRECA, and Joe Saward told the Missed Apex Formula 1 podcast the Swede may be under increasing pressure from Ferrari.
If Dino Beganovic doesn’t improve next year Ferrari may axe him from the junior academy
Beganovic has had a mixed couple of seasons in Formula 3, finishing sixth in the championship on both occasions for PREMA.
He has had spells of good form across both campaigns, as he took multiple podiums and even two race wins earlier this season.
But these moments of brilliance have been balanced by multiple point-less rounds and a failure to challenge at the front when it counts in the Feature Race.
The Swede may be moving up to Formula 2 for the entire season in 2025. He will gather experience in the final two rounds of this season at DAMS while replacing Juan Manuel Correa.
Saward warned that another difficult season for Beganovic in 2025 could end his time as a Ferrari junior as the standards are so high.
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He said: “There is a man called Dino Beganovic, who is Swedish. Well, he’s moving into Formula 2 this year, next year, rather. He was racing in Macau last weekend.
“Did nothing spectacular. Beganovic didn’t win it. And Beganovic has finished sixth in two years in Formula 3. So, he really needs to up his game this year. Otherwise, Ferrari are going to apply the axe to him. So he’ll be one of the people to watch out for.”
Dino Beganovic needs to grasp his opportunity in Formula 2 with DAMS
Beganovic has struggled at times in Formula 3, and other drivers such as Luke Browning and Arvid Lindblad have improved quicker to challenge for this year’s championship.
The two rounds at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar and Yas Marina will be a test as he hasn’t driven at either of those two circuits.
Any knowledge he can gain in the final two rounds of the season will be vital to help boost his confidence going into the new season if he drives in Formula 2.
F2 is a very tricky championship for rookies to step into although Max Esterson is confident the fragile tyres will suit him.