Charles Leclerc will not participate in media engagements for the upcoming São Paulo Grand Prix after the birth of his first child. The Ferrari driver and his wife, Alexandra, announced on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, that their daughter, Bianca, was born on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Leclerc is confirmed to miss at least the opening free practice session (FP1) on Friday, November 6, 2026. Ferrari junior driver Dino Beganovic will take his place in the SF-26 for that session.
The Monegasque driver had previously indicated he would not miss any races due to the birth, though he might arrive later for events. His participation in Friday’s second practice session remains unconfirmed.
Leclerc’s absence from media duties delays his direct response to criticism from teammate Lewis Hamilton. This follows an incident at the Mexico Grand Prix on November 1, 2026.
Hamilton, who started on pole position, became involved in a first-lap clash with Leclerc at Turn 4. Both drivers ran wide, with Leclerc cutting across the grass and rejoining ahead of Hamilton.
The maneuver allowed Max Verstappen to overtake Hamilton. Leclerc subsequently received a five-second time penalty for gaining an advantage by leaving the track.
Hamilton stated the incident cost Ferrari a potential victory and called for internal discussions. He accused Leclerc of working against him during the opening lap.
“We have to have some serious talks behind the scenes for sure,” Hamilton said. “We don’t have rules of engagement and, whether or not that will change anything from Charles’ side, I don’t know. Something needs to change for sure.”
Leclerc acknowledged the penalty was deserved but described the situation as confusing. He noted that both drivers made a mistake at Turn 4 and there was no contact between their cars.
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur expressed frustration regarding the outcome of the Mexico race. He remarked that losing a potential win in such circumstances was difficult to accept.
In the 2026 Drivers’ Championship, Kimi Antonelli secured the title at the Mexico Grand Prix, becoming the youngest world champion. He leads with 380 points.
Max Verstappen is second with 261 points, followed by Lewis Hamilton in third with 259 points. George Russell holds fourth with 250 points, and Charles Leclerc is fifth with 245 points.
In the Constructors’ Championship, Mercedes leads. Ferrari is currently second with 504 points, while Red Bull occupies third position with 382 points.
Ferrari has shown improved performance in the 2026 season, securing three podium finishes in the initial three races. Both Leclerc and Hamilton have led during various Grand Prix events.
The SF-26 chassis has demonstrated strength, particularly in cornering and at high-altitude circuits like Mexico City. However, the team has faced a power unit deficit in straight-line speed.
Fred Vasseur has overseen measurable progress in rebuilding Ferrari’s operational culture. This has occurred despite instances of on-track friction between the team’s drivers.
