Charles Leclerc Replaced at Austrian Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton Handed N…read more
Ferrari have confirmed a surprise driver change for the opening stages of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, with Charles Leclerc set to step aside temporarily as Lewis Hamilton prepares to work alongside a new team-mate during Friday practice at the Red Bull Ring.
The Italian team announced that highly rated Ferrari Academy driver Dino Beganovic will take over Leclerc’s car for the first Free Practice session, allowing the Scuderia to continue fulfilling Formula 1’s mandatory rookie driver requirements. The move means Hamilton will begin the Austrian Grand Prix weekend sharing the Ferrari garage with a different team-mate before Leclerc returns for the remainder of the event.
While the change is only for FP1, it has generated significant interest throughout the paddock, particularly as Ferrari arrive in Austria with renewed confidence following Hamilton’s breakthrough victory at the Spanish Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion finally claimed his first win in Ferrari colours in Barcelona, reigniting hopes that the Scuderia could mount a stronger challenge during the second half of the season.
Beganovic, a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2020, has steadily risen through the junior ranks and already gained valuable Formula 1 experience earlier in the year. The Austrian Grand Prix weekend marks another important opportunity for the young driver to impress Ferrari’s management and demonstrate his potential for the future.
For Hamilton, the session offers a chance to continue building momentum after a remarkable turnaround in form. Following a difficult start to the campaign, the Briton has emerged as one of the championship contenders thanks to a series of strong performances that culminated in victory in Spain. Ferrari will be hoping that momentum carries over to Spielberg, a circuit where straight-line speed and efficient aerodynamics are crucial.
Leclerc, meanwhile, remains a central figure in Ferrari’s long-term plans despite missing the opening practice session. The Monegasque driver recently committed his future to the Scuderia with a long-term contract extension and is determined to return to form after a challenging run of races.
Although the replacement is temporary, all eyes will be on Beganovic when he climbs into the Ferrari. Strong performances from young drivers in practice sessions often attract considerable attention, and the Austrian Grand Prix provides the perfect stage for the academy prospect to showcase his talent.
As Ferrari seek to build on Hamilton’s recent success, the team will be hoping the rookie’s appearance in FP1 contributes valuable data ahead of what promises to be a fiercely competitive weekend at the Red Bull Ring. With Mercedes, McLaren and Red Bull all expected to challenge near the front, every lap could prove crucial in the battle for championship points.
