The 2025 Formula E Rookie Test in Berlin provided a unique opportunity for several up-and-coming single-seater stars to sample electric machinery for the first time. Among them was Dino Beganovic, the Swedish-Bosnian racer currently competing in F2 for Hitech TGR. A member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, Beganovic took part in the 2025 Formula E Berlin Rookie Test with Mahindra Racing, sharing the garage with fellow F2 competitor and Alpine Academy member Kush Maini.
Held at the historic Tempelhof Airport circuit, the Berlin test has become an important annual fixture for teams and drivers alike, offering rookies a taste of the technical and strategic complexity that defines Formula E. For Beganovic, this marked his debut outing in the all-electric series, and his impressions painted a picture of both challenge and opportunity.
A new challenge: First taste of Formula E
Speaking during the rookie press conference attended by Pit Debrief, Beganovic reflected on his initial reaction to driving the GEN3 Evo Formula E car.
“Yeah it has been very interesting I would say so far, it has been a new experience for me obviously with everything, with the new team and the new championship, new car that is driven in a very different way from what I am used to,” he said. “But I would say the positive, the morning went positive, and I am looking forward for the afternoon and continue doing tests for the team and then seeing how much more experience we can gather.”
His words highlighted the rapid adaptation required when switching from combustion-powered F2 machinery to the unique demands of an electric race car. In particular, the distinct characteristics of the GEN3 Evo car presented a sharp contrast to his usual racing environment.
Comparing disciplines: F2 vs Formula E
When asked to describe the biggest differences between an F2 car and the one he tested with Mahindra Racing at the Formula E Berlin Rookie Test, Beganovic offered an insightful comparison that underscored the breadth of the challenge. Despite his success in junior single-seater categories, he underscored the vast differences between those series and Formula E, noting the increased importance of power management in the all-electric series.
“I think this car compared to any car in the ladder to the F1 is a big jump,” he explained. “You obviously have the tracks that are quite different, a lot smaller together with the grip, downforce level that is a lot lower than what I am used to and then what most of us are used to, so it changes quite a lot in driver technique, how you are braking, how you are flying throttle and then especially for the races and how you are coasting, saving the battery, and obviously, we saw yesterday how you can win a race in that sense, so I think there are many different ways to put it into words but yeah, it is a very big change.”
His reference to energy management as a race-winning tool not only emphasised the strategic depth of Formula E but also revealed his attentiveness to the nuances of the series. It also suggested a growing respect for the discipline’s intricacies.
Looking ahead: Formula E as a viable career path
As Formula E continues to gain credibility as a career destination for talented single-seater drivers, Beganovic acknowledged the pathway forged by others in his position. He cited drivers like Taylor Barnard and Zane Maloney, both of whom made the transition from F2 to Formula E ahead of the 2024-2025 season, as examples of what might be possible.
“I think Formula E is one of the championships with the most, let us say, the level of the drivers are very high and also with the teams looking how they are working, and I was quite surprised in a positive way how well the team is working, and it feels a bit like a mini Formula 1 team,” he said.
His praise for the professional setup at Mahindra Racing, including the operational standards and collaboration between departments, suggests that the test was not only a learning experience but also a revealing glimpse into a top-tier motorsport structure. The comparison to Formula 1 organisations reinforced how far Formula E has come in terms of technical expertise and competitiveness.
Although Beganovic remains focused on his current trajectory towards F1, he did not rule out a future in electric racing. His attitude was one of openness and pragmatism.
“So I think there is definitely a bright future for Formula E, but my goal remains the same which is Formula 1 at the moment but let us say you can never exclude what there should be in something in the future.”
This sentiment echoed the thoughts of many young drivers today, who increasingly view Formula E as a legitimate and desirable long-term option, especially given the evolving motorsport landscape and the growing emphasis on sustainability.
A productive outing with Mahindra Racing
Throughout the Berlin test, Beganovic completed several runs aimed at helping Mahindra gather data while also familiarising himself with the car’s performance characteristics. His morning session proved productive, and he expressed optimism about the rest of the day’s programme.
Indeed, the experience offered him more than just mileage; it provided valuable insight into energy recovery systems, braking regeneration, and the wider race management tools that are essential to success in the category. The support from Mahindra Racing, coupled with the collaborative environment of a test day, allowed him to focus purely on adaptation and growth.
While Beganovic’s immediate attention remains on climbing the ladder towards F1, his calm, professional approach to the Formula E opportunity reflects his maturity as a driver. The rookie test may have been a one-off engagement for now, but his attitude and feedback make clear that the door to electric racing is one he is not afraid to open further in the future.
A comprehensive introduction to Formula E
Dino Beganovic’s Formula E debut at the 2025 Berlin Rookie Test offered more than just a taste of something new—it was a comprehensive introduction to a discipline that demands technical awareness, mental agility, and strategic patience. His comments during the press conference revealed both the challenges he faced and the respect he has developed for the category.
As he continues to make strides in F2 and pushes toward his goal of Formula 1, Beganovic now carries with him a broader understanding of modern motorsport. Should the road to F1 take unexpected turns, his first experience in Formula E has proven that he is more than capable of navigating a different, electrifying path.
