Charles Leclerc becomes a father — will arrive late to the Brazil Grand Prix
Leclerc and his wife Alexandra announced on Instagram that daughter Bianca was born; he will arrive at Interlagos Friday and skip FP1.
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc and his wife Alexandra have become parents, and the arrival of their child is the reason Leclerc will be late for the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.
Leclerc had earlier said he would travel to the Principality after the Mexico City race to be present for the birth of his first child. The couple confirmed the news on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, announcing on Instagram that their daughter Bianca was born one day earlier.
Messages of congratulations began arriving immediately. Among the first to post were Pierre Gasly and Oscar Piastri, and both Ferrari and Mercedes also offered their best wishes.
Leclerc is now the fifth father among the current Formula 1 grid, joining Sergio Perez, Nico Hulkenberg, Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso.
How his absence affects the Brazil weekend
His absence from the start of the Brazil Grand Prix weekend was announced in advance. Leclerc is expected to arrive at Interlagos on Friday afternoon and will miss the first practice session; his car will be driven in that session by Dino Beganović.
The announcement comes after a weekend of controversy for Leclerc in Mexico, where a disputed collision with fellow driver Lewis Hamilton at the start of the Mexican Grand Prix drew heavy attention and likely cost Ferrari a victory. Hamilton finished second behind Max Verstappen in the Red Bull, while Leclerc ended up fourth; Kimi Antonelli secured the title thanks to third place.
Photo: press material from the event
