Only a fraction of racing drivers make it through the eye of the needle to Formula 1.
One of those hoping for his chance is Swede Dino Beganovic, who is part of Ferrari's talent program but is currently driving in Formula 2.
Sebastian Vettel, who is in Sweden to receive an environmental award, has his eye on the 22-year-old Swede.
"Yes, I've seen him drive. It would be fun for Sweden to have a driver in Formula 1 again. The last one was Marcus Ericsson (who retired in 2018)," he says.
“Make sure to develop”
The 38-year-old German, who has driven for Ferrari, among others, made his way to Formula 1 via Red Bull's talent program.
But the last step is extremely difficult, he notes.
"Based on the talent, you could probably argue that many have what it takes. But it's more than that," says Sebastian Vettel.
"Driving a Formula 1 car is one thing, driving it fast is another. But driving it fast at a specific moment, when it matters, is another thing entirely."
What advice would you give Dino Beganovic?
"It's very difficult, because it's so individual. But definitely keep the dream alive, and make sure to develop, to enjoy and to love what he does."
A “hypocrite”?
Sebastian Vettel became world champion four years in a row from 2010 to 2013. However, even during his active career, which ended in 2022, he also began to get involved in environmental issues.
On Tuesday evening, he received the honorary prize “The Perfect World Foundation Award” at a gala in Gothenburg. The prize has previously gone to, among others, Greta Thunberg and David Attenborough.
Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel has previously called himself a "hypocrite" due to Formula 1's relatively large climate footprint.
"There is always more you can do and more you should have done. But it is better to take a stand than to remain silent," he says.
"For me it is also a way to help the sport. I am worried that there may come a time when F1 is banned. But I don't think that is the solution."
Ten Swedes have driven Formula 1 so far:
Ronnie Peterson (123 races, 10 wins, 1970–78).
Joakim Bonnier (104 races, 1 win, 1956–71).
Marcus Ericsson (97 races, 2014–18).
Stefan "Lill-Lövis" Johansson (79 races, 1980–91).
Gunnar Nilsson (32 races, 1 win, 1976–77).
Reine Wisell (22 races, 1970–74).
Tommy "Slim" Borgudd (10 races, 1981–82).
Bertil Roos (1 race, 1974).
Torsten Palm (1 race, 1975).
Conny Andersson (1 race, 1976).
Footnote: Erik Lundgren was registered for the 1951 German GP, but never made it to the start.
Footnote 2: This year's starting field includes Racing Bull driver Arvid Lindblad, who has a Swedish father but competes for Great Britain.
Sources: formula1.com and others.
