by Alex Johnston
PREMA look set to require to replace Andrea Kimi Antonelli, with the Italian driver apparently set to join F1 with Williams, replacing Logan Sargeant. With this, PREMA will have to decide who is the best option to replace the rapid teenager for the remainder of the season. I’ve picked six drivers who could potentially join the Italian outfit.
The smart option - Jack Doohan
A six time winner, five time pole sitter and 11 time podium sitter, Alpine reserve Jack Doohan presents a solid option for PREMA and provides plenty of front running experience from Formula 2.
As he is a current F1 reserve, he’d have no schedule conflicts, and would be available for every race - barring a potential stand in for Alpine should he be required.
Likelihood rating: Has a chance at it. 70%.
‘He knows the team’ option - Arthur Leclerc
The brother of Ferrari’s Charles, Arthur Leclerc has raced with PREMA before in FRECA and FIA Formula 3.
The Monegasque is racing GT’s this year, having raced in F2 last year with DAMS, taking one podium.
He’d provide valuable experience to the team, and would seamlessly slot in to his surroundings - something of appeal to PREMA, a team with a strong team ethic.
Likelihood rating: Could go either way. 50%.
The promotion option - Dino Beganovic
Dino Beganovic has been with PREMA since he started his single seater career in 2020 - progressing from Italian and ADAC F4 through Formula Regional and into Formula 3, so could F2 be the next step - a little sooner than expected?
He’s just won his first F3 race and sits fourth in the standings and the step to F2 is a big one and the Swedish driver would have to be ready. The conundrum for PREMA is, if they move Beganovic up to F2 - they need another F3 driver. Headscratcher.
Likelihood rating: Definitely a front running contender. 70%.
The ‘poacher’ option - Isack Hadjar
Isack Hadjar is a prime example of a naturally fast driver. A victim of misfortune at times, the Campos F2 driver would be an attractive option for PREMA, due to his pace and upturn in fortunes since the start of the season and compared to 2023.
The methodical Frenchman has driven for both Red Bull and RB in recent times during practice and test sessions, showing the belief the Austrian side have in him. Could PREMA make a move for the in form Frenchman?
Likelihood rating: Pretty low. 25%.
The ‘why not?’ option - Juri Vips
Experienced campaigner Vips is currently not racing and hasn’t raced in F2 since 2022 after he was dropped by Hitech after an off track issue.
He’s previously shown good pace in F2, winning three races and taking 12 podiums. IndyCar offered the Estonian a shot at redemption and a racing comeback but he was overlooked for a seat despite strong performances in the States, could F2 welcome him back?
Likelihood rating: Low. 10%.
The ‘just a laugh’ option - Roberto Merhi
I referred to Juri Vips as experienced but next to this driver, Vips is a fresh faced option. 14 time F1 driver Roberto Merhi made F2 outings as recently as 2022 for Campos, and even scooped a podium in Austria in a race of high attrition and penalties.
This option would be a VERY long shot, and not a move I see the current Super GT driver making. Although, I’ve been wrong before!
Likelihood rating: When pigs fly, perhaps. 0.1%.
Who’s your pick?
📸 Image credits: Formula Motorsport Limited, Mercedes AMG F1 Team, Campos Racing, NTT IndyCar Series, PREMA Racing, Alpine.
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