Charles Leclerc will definitely not be attending Thursday’s traditional media day ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, as GPblog reported earlier. The Ferrari driver is staying in Monaco, where he is enjoying the birth of his first child with his wife Alexandra Saint Mleux.

Leclerc and Alexandra have now announced the birth of their first child. The couple shared the baby’s first photo and also revealed the name. The Monegasque is currently with his family in Monaco and will therefore miss Thursday’s media commitments in Brazil. The FIA has undoubtedly granted him permission to do so.

Leclerc also has a little extra time to travel to Sao Paulo. The Ferrari driver will not have to take part in Friday’s first Free Practice session at Interlagos, with Ferrari reserve driver Dino Beganovic taking his place.

Beganovic replaces Leclerc in FP1

Ferrari has selected Beganovic to partner Lewis Hamilton in the first free practice session. This means the Italian team will fulfil its obligation to field a rookie in a Free Practice session four times during the season.

Rafael Camara was originally expected to step into the Ferrari on Friday. However, the Brazilian was unexpectedly appointed by Haas as the replacement for the sidelined Esteban Ocon. Camara will make his Grand Prix debut with the American team and has also secured a race seat there for next season.