Ferrari have confirmed a change to their plans for the opening practice session of the Formula 1 São Paulo Grand Prix, with Dino Beganovic set to replace Charles Leclerc in FP1 at Interlagos. The Swedish youngster will get another opportunity to drive the SF-26 after Ferrari were forced to revise their original rookie running arrangements.
The decision means Beganovic will take over Leclerc’s car for Friday’s opening session, while Ferrari continue their development programme and fulfil their obligations under Formula 1’s rookie driver regulations.
Ferrari change original plans for Interlagos
Ferrari had initially intended to give Brazilian youngster Rafael Câmara an opportunity to make his Formula 1 debut during his home Grand Prix weekend.
The original plan was for Câmara to drive the SF-26 at Interlagos, providing the young driver with valuable experience in front of his home supporters.
However, circumstances surrounding Haas have prompted a change. Câmara has become involved in the American team’s revised driver arrangements following the recent incidents involving Esteban Ocon.
Ocon was replaced by Ryo Hirakawa in Mexico, before Câmara was brought into the picture for the Brazilian weekend. That development has affected Ferrari’s original plans, leaving the Scuderia to find another driver for its mandatory rookie appearance.
Dino Beganovic gets another Ferrari opportunity
Ferrari have consequently turned to Dino Beganovic, another member of the Ferrari Driver Academy.
The Swedish driver will take Leclerc’s place in the SF-26 during FP1 at Interlagos, giving him another opportunity to demonstrate his progress within the Ferrari development programme.
Beganovic has already driven the team’s 2026 machinery during the season, primarily participating in sessions designed to evaluate technical developments, gather information and support the team’s data collection work.
His familiarity with the car should make the session particularly useful for Ferrari, although the opportunity will also be important for Beganovic’s own development.
Ferrari balance rookie obligations with development work
Formula 1’s regulations require teams to provide opportunities for rookie drivers during selected Friday practice sessions. Each full-time race driver must surrender their car for two such sessions over the season.
Ferrari were the only team among the 11 constructors not to field a rookie during the opening practice session in Mexico, having retained their original plan for a later appearance in Brazil.
The revised arrangement means Beganovic will now take advantage of that opportunity, while Leclerc sits out the opening session.
For Ferrari, the decision offers a practical solution to an unexpected scheduling complication. It also allows the team to continue gathering development data from its SF-26 while giving another Ferrari Academy driver valuable Formula 1 mileage.
The original intention to give Câmara his home-race opportunity has been disrupted, but Ferrari will nevertheless have a young driver representing its development programme during the opening session at Interlagos.
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The inevitable side-effect.