Feature
In Profile: Dino Beganovic
Sitting third in the Championship after the opening weekend of the 2023 season, Dino Beganovic has already made a big impression on the Formula 3 grid.
Remaining with his PREMA Racing family for his step up to the third tier, lots of eyes are eagerly watching the Ferrari junior in action. From idolising one of the Prancing Horse’s greatest drivers to racing alongside some of his closest friends and fiercest competitors, Beganovic delves into all you need to know about him.
NAME: Dino Beganovic
DATE OF BIRTH: 19/01/2004
NATIONALITY: Swedish
2023 TEAM: PREMA Racing
EARLIEST RACING MEMORY?
“My dad and I were watching Formula 1 on TV before I started karting. We were watching my hero, but also his hero - Michael Schumacher, win. After that, I got inspired and I really wanted to start, I wanted to do what he was doing, so I got the chance to try out karting.
“We started just for fun, but it got quite serious quite quickly. I’ve got good memories of it because it started as a family thing and then it developed into being properly professional, and now I’m racing in Formula 3.”
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RACING STYLE?
“If I count on last year, it was to be consistent, consistently on the pace and there when I had to be there, and quite calm I would say.”
WHO IS YOUR RACING HERO?
“Michael Schumacher – I really got inspired by what he was doing and what he has done to the sport. Then, he made me become a Ferrari fan as well, so he’s my hero.”
WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST RACING ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
“I think winning the Formula Regional European Championship last year and including that, I won in Monaco. It was really important for me not to prove to myself, but to show that I can do it and then to get that confidence coming into Formula 3.
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“Also, it was a really strong field there and we can see many of the Regional drivers coming into F3 and most of them are title contenders. We have been racing together since karting, all of us at the top like me, Paul (Aron), Gabriele (Minì) and Gabriel Bortoleto. It’s cool that we follow each other all the way, so it was important to take that win.”
WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A RACING DRIVER?
“I think it’s just the speed! I’m in love with the speed, actually I got to try rallying on ice recently. It was cool and all, but it’s just that speed that’s missing. These cars have so much downforce, you can carry so much speed in the course that was missing in the rally car. It gave me a notice that now I know why I love the sport so much because of the speed.”
HOW DO YOU RELAX AWAY FROM RACING?
“Being with my family and friends – that's the best way. I’m also on my simulator a lot at home and although it’s not away from racing, at the same time the competition is not the same. Driving with friends and just playing other games as well, not only the simulator so I’m mainly being with friends and family.”
DO YOU HAVE A SECRET TALENT?
“No, I got asked that recently and I don’t think I have any apart from I like to just be myself! If I need to dance, I will dance or sing. If there’s a party, I’ll do it.”
FAVOURITE TRACK ON THE F3 CALENDAR?
“Imola has always been my favourite track since F4 because I have the best memories of it and it’s such a historical track because I got my first win there. I got another win there in Regional and hopefully another win in Formula 3.
“That’s definitely one of my favourites, but Monaco has got to be up there as well. It’s great to continue mine and Monaco’s relationship into F3, it’s good to have it on the calendar as a new track.”