Ferrari have confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will share track duties with a different team-mate during the opening stages of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, as the Scuderia continues its young-driver development programme.
The Italian team has announced that academy prospect Dino Beganovic will once again receive valuable Formula 1 track time, with regular Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc stepping aside for part of the weekend. The move follows Ferrari’s commitment to providing opportunities for emerging talent under Formula 1’s rookie driver regulations.
Earlier in the season, Beganovic was handed an important opportunity during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend. On that occasion, it was seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton who vacated his car for the young Swede during the opening practice session. While the experience proved invaluable for Beganovic, Hamilton later admitted that missing crucial running time had affected his preparations for the remainder of the weekend.
After returning to the cockpit following the rookie session in Barcelona, Hamilton struggled to find the ideal setup and rhythm in his Ferrari. Reflecting on the impact of missing valuable track time, the Briton acknowledged that the lack of laps during the early stages of the weekend created a disadvantage compared to his rivals.
This time, however, Ferrari have opted to place Beganovic in Leclerc’s car, allowing Hamilton to complete the full programme in his own SF-26. The decision should provide the British driver with uninterrupted preparation as he looks to build on recent improvements and continue his push for stronger results during the 2026 campaign.
Beganovic has emerged as one of Ferrari’s most highly rated junior talents and has impressed the team with his performances across the junior categories. Additional Formula 1 mileage at a competitive race weekend offers another chance for him to demonstrate his potential and gain experience in the sport’s top tier.
For Ferrari, the Austrian Grand Prix presents an important opportunity to maintain momentum in what has been a fiercely contested championship season. The team will be aiming to maximise performance at the fast and demanding Red Bull Ring while also fulfilling its commitment to developing future stars.
With Hamilton seeking another strong result and Beganovic eager to make the most of his latest Formula 1 opportunity, Ferrari’s driver arrangements are set to be one of the key talking points as action gets underway in Austria this weekend.