Charles Leclerc has become a father for the first time after his wife, Alexandra Saint Mieux, gave birth to their daughter Bianca. The Ferrari driver left Brazil and returned to Monte Carlo to be present for the birth, prompting a change to the Scuderia’s preparations for the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix. Dino Beganovic will take over the SF-26 for the opening free practice session at Interlagos, while Charles Leclerc is expected to return to the cockpit for FP2.
The happy news temporarily shifts attention away from the heated controversy surrounding Ferrari following the Mexico City Grand Prix. For Charles Leclerc, the arrival of his first child represents an important personal milestone, even if it means making an additional intercontinental journey during an already demanding Formula 1 schedule.
The entire Motorsport.com team has also extended its congratulations to Charles Leclerc and Alexandra Saint Mieux on the birth of their daughter.
Charles Leclerc welcomes daughter Bianca as Ferrari changes Brazil FP1 plans
News of the unexpected change to Ferrari’s Brazilian Grand Prix programme emerged through a social media announcement from the Italian team, which confirmed that test driver Dino Beganovic would return to the wheel of the SF-26 during the first free practice session at Interlagos.
The Swedish youngster will therefore drive alongside Lewis Hamilton in FP1, giving Charles Leclerc the opportunity to be with his family following Bianca’s arrival. Ferrari expects the Monegasque driver to return to his usual position for the second free practice session, allowing him to begin his on-track preparations for the Brazilian Grand Prix after missing the opening hour.
The arrangement also provides an additional opportunity for Ferrari to continue its young-driver development programme while accommodating an important personal occasion for one of its regular drivers.
The Scuderia had already confirmed Dino Beganovic’s return to the SF-26 for Brazilian GP FP1, with the Swedish driver now preparing for another official Formula 1 practice appearance.
Dino Beganovic earns another Ferrari FP1 opportunity at Interlagos
The change has unexpectedly opened the doors of the Ferrari garage to Dino Beganovic for the fourth-to-last round of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
A member of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2020, the Swedish youngster also serves as a reserve and test driver for the Maranello team. He has already participated in two free practice sessions with the SF-26 this year, gaining valuable experience with Ferrari’s current Formula 1 machinery.
Those appearances have formed part of the rookie practice programme required by the FIA, which gives young drivers opportunities to demonstrate their abilities during official Grand Prix weekends.
Dino Beganovic previously drove during FP1 at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona and the Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg. His return at Interlagos therefore provides another opportunity to build on his experience behind the wheel of Ferrari’s 2026 car.
The Swedish driver has already gained familiarity with the team’s procedures and technical programme, having discussed the lessons he has learned from Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc during his time with the Scuderia.
His latest opportunity comes at an interesting moment for the team. Ferrari’s SF-26 appeared to be the most competitive car during the Mexico City Grand Prix, offering encouraging indications about the direction of the Italian squad’s recent development work.
For Dino Beganovic, the Brazilian Grand Prix will provide another chance to gain experience in a car that has recently demonstrated promising performance.
Two Ferrari Driver Academy talents set for action in Brazil
Another interesting aspect of the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend is that two young drivers from the Ferrari Driver Academy will be involved in Formula 1 action at Interlagos.
Alongside Dino Beganovic’s appearance for Ferrari, Rafael Câmara is preparing to make his Formula 1 debut with Haas.
The 21-year-old Brazilian, who comes from Recife, had originally been expected to participate only in the opening free practice session at his home Grand Prix, following a similar arrangement to the one planned for Dino Beganovic.
However, circumstances at Haas have changed significantly following the decision to remove Esteban Ocon from the race seat for the remainder of the season. The American team has consequently decided to give Rafael Câmara his Formula 1 debut in Brazil, with the youngster also being prepared for a full-time position in the squad led by Ayao Komatsu in 2027.
The decision represents an important opportunity for the Brazilian, whose progression through Ferrari’s junior programme has brought him closer to a permanent place on the Formula 1 grid. Haas has already confirmed Rafael Câmara will replace Esteban Ocon at the São Paulo and Las Vegas Grands Prix, accelerating the young driver’s transition into Formula 1 race competition.
For Ferrari, having both Dino Beganovic and Rafael Câmara involved at Interlagos highlights the opportunities available to its academy drivers during the closing stages of the championship.
Charles Leclerc expected back in Ferrari for Brazilian GP FP2
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc faces an additional intercontinental journey after returning from Brazil to Monte Carlo for the birth of his daughter.
Although the trip complicates his preparations for the Grand Prix, the opportunity to be present for Bianca’s arrival is understandably a special moment for the Ferrari driver and his family. With Dino Beganovic taking over the SF-26 during FP1, Charles Leclerc is expected to resume his regular driving duties from the second practice session onwards.
The Monegasque will therefore have less track time than Lewis Hamilton during the opening day, but the arrangement allows Ferrari to accommodate the birth while continuing its preparations for the race weekend.
For Charles Leclerc and Alexandra Saint Mieux, however, the most important news is undoubtedly the arrival of their first daughter. The birth of Bianca brings a joyful personal development at a time when Ferrari is preparing for another important Formula 1 weekend.
Everyone now awaits the celebrations marking the arrival of the newest member of the family.
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