Ferrari: Charles Leclerc Returns Home After the Mexican Grand Prix—What’s Happening in Brazil

Charles Leclerc will not take part in the first free practice session of the Brazilian F1 Grand Prix. After the weekend in Mexico, the Ferrari driver returned to the Principality of Monaco instead of traveling directly to Brazil with the rest of the paddock. This decision was prompted by the imminent birth of his first daughter with his wife Alexandra Saint Mleux, a special moment during which the Monegasque driver wants to be with his family as much as possible.

The possibility of missing a Grand Prix due to the birth of his daughter had already been discussed during the U.S. Grand Prix weekend in Austin. On that occasion, when asked about the possibility of having to skip a World Championship race, the No. 16 driver ruled out that possibility. His intention was to balance his Formula 1 commitments with his personal life, trying to spend as much time as possible at home without missing any races.

Taking his place in Friday’s FP1 session at Interlagos will be Dino Beganovic, a young Swedish driver born in 2004 and a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, who is currently competing in Formula 2. This won’t be his first time behind the wheel of the Scuderia: earlier this season, he has already participated in two free practice sessions, at the Spanish and Austrian Grands Prix. His participation will also allow Ferrari to comply with regulatory requirements, which mandate that each team field a rookie in at least two free practice sessions per car.

The Ferrari driver’s absence will, however, be limited to the first session of the weekend. He is scheduled to return behind the wheel of the SF-26 as early as FP2, when he will resume his regular track work in preparation for qualifying and the race.