Australian teenagers Jack Beeton and Gianmarco Pradel have successfully completed an unforgettable experience having taken part in the Ferrari Driver Academy Scouting World Finals last month.

The duo were part of the competitive FDA Asia Pacific and Oceania Selection Program at Sepang International Circuit in September, which saw them undergo a series of intense testing both in and out of a Formula 4 car.

Having first progressed through to the final stage of the program, the duo was then chosen to represent the region in the World Finals last month.

Held at Ferrari's home base in Maranello, the World Finals saw six drivers complete a five-day program of intense testing and workshops – the final two of which saw the six finalists behind the wheel on the famous circuit. 

While just one spot is available in the Ferrari Driver Academy with the announcement to be made in the coming weeks, both Beeton and Pradel were highly competitive throughout the camp.

For Beeton, it was a massive learning experience and one that he will cherish regardless of whether he is successful or not.

“The FDA Scouting World Final was such a fun experience, and I really enjoyed every minute of it,” Beeton said.


“I learnt a lot from my five day ‘adventure’ as such, both on and off the track – especially that nowadays, being a race driver isn’t just about how fast you are, it’s about your physical and mental abilities, as well as your personality.

“It was also amazing to see so many dedicated people helping young drivers around the world, putting kids they barely know ahead of themselves.

“The best part of the event was getting to know the Ferrari Test Track, which I feel is one of a kind. It has everything. Fast corners, slow corners and medium speed corners - all put together, it was a very fun track.

“I feel I excelled in the mental aspect of testing, had good results in the fitness side of the camp and did quite well in driving, which is obviously the most important part. 

“Being the second youngest out of the six and having the least experience out of any, I feel I offer the greatest potential, so hopefully that is enough to get selected. Even still, it was an amazing experience, and I will cherish it forever, regardless of the outcome.” 

Like Beeton, Pradel had an unforgettable experience he will continue to learn from. 
“Walking into the Ferrari gates and being there to compete was a feeling like no other. It was intense and fun but it wasn’t too much of either,” Pradel said. 

“It was a really enjoyable and fun experience - The passion for Ferrari and being immersed in such a professional environment. There's an air throughout the whole company. They love what they do and have a huge sense of passion overall. 

“I had so much fun throughout the week. It was a real focused camp and a real immersive experience. They took a high-quality picture of you as a driver and then analysed it down to the pixel, everything is covered and it’s a really deep dive into who you are not only as a driver, but as a person as well. 

“The circuit was absolutely awesome. It was a circuit like I've never driven before, it has high speed, low speed, off-camber, really banked corners, blind crests; it’s really got the lot. 

“It was also awesome to be in such a competitive environment, surrounded by these top-tier, really high-level drivers who have been doing this for ages and I learnt so much from them. 

“My main goal throughout the week was to give my best and leave nothing on the table and I think I did that. I was just honing my technique and it was fun to see how much progress I made as a driver. The experience was unforgettable, once in a lifetime.” 


Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport and Commercial Operations Michael Smith praised the two boys for their efforts in both Malaysia and Italy. 

“Firstly, congratulations to both boys for making it as far as they did,” Smith said. 

“Gianmarco and Jack showed plenty of pace and potential during the three days at Sepang and I believe they were highly deserving of being selected for the World Finals Italy. 

“To have the experience they did will sit with them for a long time and hopefully spur them on to continue pursuing a career up the open-wheeler international pathway. 

“Whether or not one of them gets selected, they should be extremely proud of their efforts, and I am excited to see their progress from this point onwards.” 

The Ferrari Driver Academy Scouting World Finals winner for 2022 will be announced in the coming weeks.