We talk to some of this year’s top talents in the 2024 FIA FR World Cup who are a part of F1 team junior driver programmes
The Macau Grand Prix has long been a pivotal proving ground for drivers dreaming of a career in the FIA Formula One World Championship, and this year’s event brings five of the most recent crop of talented youngsters who are already a part of one of the Formula 1 team’s junior driver programmes.
Having already garnered this attention is undoubtedly something that sets these racers apart in this highly-talented field, but even amongst their ranks we can see there are different motivations and expectations each one brings to Macau.
We come first to perhaps the most experienced of the group, Dino Beganovic, who is a former champion in Formula Regional machinery having won the European Championship back in 2022.
He returns to Macau for the second time with SJM Theodore Prema Racing this weekend, and having crashed out of the Grand Prix in the opening laps of the 2023 edition is looking to make up for missed opportunities.
“I’m here to enjoy myself and the fact that we’re one of the favourites for the victory is just a plus, and obviously I’m coming here to fight for it – that’s the main reason why I’m coming back,” said the 22-year-old, who is part of the Ferrari Driver Academy.
“It’s a lot about risk versus reward in Macau – that’s the reason why I’m back. I really enjoyed my time here last year and I really love the feeling of being so close to the limit. It reminds you how much you really like this sport, it makes you feel that extra bit of adrenaline as well.”
Just across the garage from Beganovic, who is stepping up to the FIA Formula 2 Championship next year, is fellow SJM Theodore Prema Racing hopeful Alexander Dunne, who has identified the Macau Grand Prix as a hugely significant moment in his career already, having stood out with a podium in the Qualification Race last year and been snapped up as part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme.
“I think doing well in Macau really puts you on the map,” he said. “Last year it was my first race in F3 and I finished second in the quali race and started on the front row in the main race, and although I didn’t manage to finish the job off in the main race, to be completely open and honest, I think Macau secured me the drive in FIA F3 and also what got me in at McLaren. Even without completing the full weekend and getting the best result possible I think that small part of the weekend made a massive difference for me.
“It’s a prestigious race, with all the fans that are here it almost feels like an F1 weekend,” he added. “Macau is one of those places where you can have a difficult year and if you’re go and do a good job in Macau, it really shows you’re a good driver. This year has been a little bit tough for me but if I can show what I did last year again this year, this can put me back on the map.”
Dunne is not the only driver on McLaren’s books, as 17-year-old Ugo Ugochukwu lines up on this year’s FR World Cup grid driving for R-ace GP. Following in the wheel tracks of Dunne, the American is stepping up to FIA Formula 3 next season, and also sees this weekend as a big opportunity.
With sights firmly set on victory, he said, “To win around Macau would be a great feeling. I think the grid this year is super competitive, and yeah, to do it on a track like this would be even more special. Macau is super special, it’s why everyone rates this event so much. It’s one of the hardest tracks, there’s no room for ever, but that means when you get it right it’s a better feeling than ever. It’s really great to be back here.”
Ugochukwu has another F1 junior driver for company at R-ace GP, as Ferrari Driver Academy’s Tuukka Taponen is piloting the sister car this weekend. Unlike the other juniors, it is his first time tackling the daunting 6.12km Guia Circuit, and indeed the first street circuit he’s ever been on: “Honestly it’s been quite nice to go out for the first time on a street circuit – I got used to it quite quickly, and then it was definitely fun.
“It’s another level of track and of place overall here. It’s super nice to be participating in this kind of event and it’s part of building confidence – I’m going to be doing the best I can. It’s about keeping consistent, keeping the car clean and getting as many laps as possible. For sure I want to fight for the top three places.
“You always want to do the best you can, to show consistent good result, and it’s also been good to be with Ferrari, they can give me some advice about tracks like this where I’ve never been before, and it’s always good to perform well.”
Finally, Red Bull’s Junior team is also fielding a driver for the FIA FR World Cup in 2024 – Oliver Goethe. He’s another talent looking to use experience from last year to his advantage in this year’s event. Much like Beganovic, he has already had a taste of more senior categories with some late-season outings in FIA Formula 2 ahead of a full campaign planned next year. This hasn’t impacted Goethe’s enthusiasm for the race – if anything with some of the pressure off he seems even more fired up to win.
“I’m really looking forward to racing Macau this year again,” said the 20-year-old. “I was lucky enough to race on the track last year. It was an amazing race, it’s such a crazy track, but it excites me a lot.
“I’m aiming to win it of course – it’s sort of a one-off race so I’m just going to give it my all and try to be on the top step of the podium this year. The race really means a lot to me. It’s such a special, challenging track. It’s a street circuit with very high speed and low speed corners, very tight and open sections, but with still some very good overtaking opportunities. So, the race is always chaotic and I’m looking forward to race there.”
With a total of 27 drivers joining this year’s FIA FR World Cup grid, all of the F1 juniors will have plenty of competition as they compete to join names that include such legends as Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher as former winners of this unique event.
Watch all of the weekend’s action live on the FIA YouTube Channel.
