Three Ferrari junior drivers with potential to race for Andretti – Cadillac after power unit deal

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Cadillac will use Ferrari power units for the 2026 and 2027 Formula 1 seasons before transitioning into a works team with their own engines in 2028.

The American automaker, set to become F1's 11th team, marks General Motors’ ambitious entry into the sport after taking over the failed Andretti bid. The agreement with Ferrari ensures Cadillac will have competitive engines as they establish their footing in Formula 1. This two-year partnership allows GM the time needed to develop their in-house power units, which are expected to debut in 2028.

Speculation about Cadillac's inaugural driver lineup is already circulating. Mario Andretti, who has been a vocal advocate for the project, envisions pairing a young American driver with a seasoned veteran. However, Ferrari's involvement in the team's engine supply could open the door for one of their junior drivers to secure a seat, gaining valuable F1 experience during the partnership.

Here's a look at three Ferrari Driver Academy talents who might find their way into a Cadillac seat in the coming years:

Dino Beganovic
Dino Beganovic has been a standout performer since joining the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2020. The Swedish driver claimed the FRECA title in 2022 before moving to Formula 3, where he secured sixth place in the standings in his debut season with four podium finishes. In 2024, he repeated that result but added two victories and a pole position to his name, keeping his championship hopes alive until the final rounds at Monza.

After the F3 season, Dino Beganovic impressed further by stepping into Formula 2, replacing Juan Manuel Correa at DAMS for the final two rounds. Despite the limited preparation, he adapted quickly, scoring points in every race and earning a podium finish in the Abu Dhabi Sprint Race.

Beganovic will race full-time in F2 with Hitech in 2025, aiming to build on his impressive momentum. If the 20-year-old delivers another strong season, his combination of speed and adaptability could make him an ideal candidate for a spot at Cadillac under Ferrari's guidance.

Tuukka Taponen
With the departure of Valtteri Bottas from Sauber at the end of 2024, Finland is currently unrepresented on the F1 grid. However, Ferrari may have the next Finnish star in Tuukka Taponen. The 18-year-old showcased his potential in 2024 by winning the Formula Regional Middle East Championship and finishing third in FRECA, amassing nine wins and 16 podiums across both series.

In 2025, Taponen will step up to Formula 3 with ART Grand Prix, marking a significant stage in his development. Although he has a long journey ahead, his consistent performances indicate that he could eventually follow in the footsteps of Finnish F1 champions like Keke Rosberg and Kimi Räikkönen. If Taponen continues his trajectory and achieves standout results in the junior categories, he could be a strong contender for an F1 debut by 2027, coinciding with the final year of Ferrari's partnership with Cadillac.

Arthur Leclerc
Formula 1 hasn't witnessed brothers competing on the same grid since Michael and Ralf Schumacher raced together, a streak that ended when Michael temporarily retired in 2006. Cadillac could have a chance to rewrite history by giving Arthur Leclerc, the younger brother of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, an opportunity to join the team.

Arthur's racing journey has closely mirrored his older brother's, beginning with his entry into the Sauber Academy in 2019 before transitioning to Ferrari's driver development program the following year. While Charles established himself as a star driver for Ferrari after progressing from Sauber, Arthur has steadily worked his way through the junior racing categories and into the realm of Formula 1 testing.

Arthur achieved a unique milestone in Abu Dhabi when he took part in FP1 alongside Charles, marking the first instance in F1 history where brothers participated as teammates during a session. This moment highlighted his growing presence in Ferrari's plans, even if his road to F1 has been less straightforward than his brother's.

The 24-year-old has had a diverse career so far. In Formula 2, he finished 15th in the 2023 standings, but this year he shifted focus to endurance racing, where he clinched the Italian GT European Championship in the GT3 category. While his performances in single-seaters have been mixed, his adaptability and recent achievements in GT racing demonstrate his ability to compete at a high level.

Arthur's current role as Ferrari's development driver has also provided him with valuable experience in F1 machinery. Regular simulator work and on-track mileage are sharpening his skills, giving him a strong foundation for a potential F1 debut. If Cadillac were to consider him as a driver in the coming seasons, they could capitalize on his growing familiarity with Ferrari-powered cars and his increasing comfort in high-pressure racing environments.

Should this opportunity arise, it would be a momentous event for Formula 1, not just because of the historic nature of two brothers racing together, but also due to the potential for a unique synergy between Ferrari and Cadillac. With continued development and mileage, Arthur Leclerc might just prove to be the right candidate to take on this historic challenge.

The Ferrari-Cadillac Synergy
This collaboration between Ferrari and Cadillac not only provides the American team with top-tier power units for their early seasons but also offers Ferrari a valuable opportunity to develop their junior drivers. Should Beganovic, Taponen, or another Ferrari protégé prove their worth in the junior categories, the partnership could serve as a launchpad for their F1 careers.

While GM's long-term goal is to establish Cadillac as a fully independent works team, their initial reliance on Ferrari engines could pave the way for a mutually beneficial relationship. For Ferrari, it's a chance to integrate their rising stars into Formula 1, while Cadillac gains access to a pool of young, competitive talent as they build their future on the grid.

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