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Lewis Hamilton Sidelined for Barcelona FP1 as Official Replacement Steps In
Highlights
- Lewis Hamilton skips FP1 at Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix weekend
- Rookie Dino Beganovic to drive Hamilton’s car in FP1 session
- Beganovic previously participated in FP1 runs in Bahrain and Austria
- Hamilton focused on later sessions after strong Monaco Grand Prix finish
- Other teams also field rookies in FP1 to gain track experience
Lewis Hamilton will skip FP1 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya this weekend. Ferrari junior Dino Beganovic takes over his car to satisfy Formula 1’s mandatory rookie running requirement.
The rule compels each car to be handed to a rookie in two FP1 sessions per season. Teams often choose Barcelona, where baseline data is robust and track knowledge reduces preparation risk.
Beganovic already sampled FP1 last season in Bahrain and Austria. He acknowledges the current-spec machinery still feels new, and targets rapid adaptation while partnering closely with engineers and mechanics.
His programme is likely to prioritise aero correlation, straight-line runs, and short tyre sweeps. The objective is clean data collection that preserves the race drivers’ baseline for later sessions.
Hamilton arrives from a strong Monaco podium. Missing FP1 marginally reduces seat time, but simulator work and FP2 mileage should recover rhythm without compromising the bigger-picture weekend plan.
Beganovic steps into Hamilton’s car for FP1 under the two-per-car rookie mandate.
Barcelona’s representative layout makes it valuable for development. Teams frequently evaluate updates here, using FP1 for flow-vis, rakes, and aero maps before committing to setup directions for qualifying simulations.
Other teams also deploy rookies this weekend. Williams’ programme includes a driver change, while Mercedes prospects such as Kimi Antonelli and rising talents like Browning continue to build mileage.
For Beganovic, success hinges on disciplined execution. Stay within operational targets, avoid errors, and deliver feedback that helps refine run plans for FP2 once Hamilton resumes driving duties.
Beganovic previously completed FP1 outings in Bahrain and Austria, streamlining the adaptation curve.
Workload management is key for Ferrari. Splitting tasks between rookie data-gathering and race-driver setup allows the team to chase correlation while protecting tyre allocation and learning under representative conditions.
As conditions evolve, attention will return to Hamilton’s pace in FP2 and beyond. The F1 Barcelona challenge remains a strong barometer of car efficiency and driver confidence.
Hamilton’s Monaco podium underlines momentum as Ferrari targets a clean transition from rookie running to qualifying preparation.
Visual Summary
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PASS
PASS
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Hamilton steps aside, Beganovic takes the wheel
Young Ferrari talent Dino Beganovic replaces Lewis Hamilton in FP1 at Barcelona — a future star’s first major drive in Mercedes colors.
2
FP1 sessions
each F1 driver
must sit out/year
each F1 driver
must sit out/year
3rd
Beganovic’s
FP1 appearance
FP1 appearance
Coming off
Monaco podium
Monaco podium
Hamilton
fresh from the championship fight
fresh from the championship fight
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Hamilton
Hamilton
DINO
Beganovic
A rookie’s biggest test:
“The car still feels very new…
Success for me? Adapt fast, deliver data, help the team.”
Success for me? Adapt fast, deliver data, help the team.”
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