Charles Leclerc is expected to miss Thursday’s media activities at the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix after becoming a father for the first time, with Ferrari’s official schedule indicating that the Monegasque will not be present at Interlagos for the traditional pre-race press commitments. The Ferrari driver is instead expected to arrive on Friday afternoon, following the birth of his daughter Bianca on November 3.
The development follows reports that emerged during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend suggesting Leclerc could adjust his travel arrangements to remain in Monaco for longer as he prepared to welcome his first child with his wife, Alexandra. With Dino Beganovic already confirmed to drive the SF-26 during Friday’s opening practice session, Ferrari have an opportunity to accommodate the delayed arrival without disrupting their planned young-driver programme.
Charles Leclerc absent from Ferrari’s Brazilian GP media schedule
Ferrari’s published media programme for the São Paulo Grand Prix does not include Charles Leclerc among those scheduled to take part in Thursday’s activities. His absence from the official timetable strongly suggests that he will miss the customary interviews and press engagements that precede the start of an F1 race weekend.
Although Ferrari have not formally confirmed precisely when Leclerc will reach the circuit, he is expected to travel to Interlagos on Friday, most likely during the afternoon. The anticipated arrival would allow him to resume his driving duties after the opening practice session, provided the arrangements proceed as expected.
The change comes after an important personal milestone for the Monegasque. Following the Mexican Grand Prix, Leclerc returned to Monaco to spend time with Alexandra ahead of the birth of their daughter, Bianca, who arrived on November 3.
Reports during the Mexico weekend had already raised the possibility of an altered travel schedule. His omission from Ferrari’s Thursday media commitments now provides a further indication that those plans have been adjusted to accommodate the occasion.
Ferrari confirm Dino Beganovic for Brazil FP1 as Leclerc targets Friday return
Ferrari’s preparations for the Brazilian Grand Prix also include a scheduled appearance for Dino Beganovic, who has been confirmed for the opening free practice session at Interlagos. The Swedish driver will return to the cockpit of the SF-26 as part of the Scuderia’s young-driver programme.
The arrangement is particularly useful given Leclerc’s expected absence from Thursday’s activities. If Beganovic takes over the Monegasque’s car for FP1, Ferrari will be able to fulfil another element of their regulatory young-driver obligations while allowing their regular driver additional time away from the circuit.
Under that scenario, Leclerc would miss both the Thursday media programme and Friday’s first practice session, making his first driving appearance of the weekend in FP2. Beganovic’s participation in FP1 is confirmed, although Ferrari have yet to announce the exact timing of Leclerc’s arrival.
As a result, the team can continue its planned development opportunity for the Swedish youngster without requiring Leclerc to return to Brazil in time for the opening session.
The complete 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix weekend schedule provides further details of the sessions planned at Interlagos.
Leclerc’s family milestone comes during a difficult period for Ferrari
The arrival of Bianca comes at a significant moment in Leclerc’s personal life, but also against a challenging sporting backdrop for Ferrari. The Maranello team heads to Brazil following a difficult Mexican Grand Prix, where tensions between its two drivers became a major talking point.
The events in Mexico prompted questions about the relationship between Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur addressing the controversy that followed their on-track encounter.
Leclerc also faced questions over his part in the incident, subsequently responding to Hamilton’s frustration following the Mexican Grand Prix. The Brazilian weekend therefore presents another important occasion for the two drivers and the team as they move on from the previous race.
With the Monegasque not expected to participate in Thursday’s media activities, supporters will have to wait until his anticipated Friday arrival for an opportunity to hear from him following both the Mexico controversy and the birth of his daughter.
For now, attention will initially turn to Beganovic’s scheduled outing in the SF-26, while Leclerc completes his preparations to rejoin Ferrari at Interlagos. The expectation remains that the new father will be back with the team on Friday afternoon, although his precise arrival arrangements have not yet been officially communicated.
Leave a Reply