In the event that Charles Leclerc is unable to participate in a race due to the arrival of his child, the question arises as to who might step in for him at Ferrari. Potential candidates could include current reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi, who has previous experience with the team, or perhaps another driver from the Ferrari Driver Academy. This situation adds an interesting layer of dynamics for the Scuderia, as they would need to consider not only the immediate impact on performance but also the future implications for the team’s lineup.
Charles Leclerc claims he will not miss any grand prix when his first child arrives, but Ferrari has apparently arranged for a substitute in case circumstances change.
The Monegasque driver and his wife Alexandra are anticipating the birth of their first baby in the final weeks of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The couple has not disclosed the due date, but Alexandra’s last appearance at an F1 event was in Madrid in September, which provides some context.
With five long-haul races remaining, beginning in Mexico City this weekend, Leclerc will conclude the season with a busy schedule of travel.
“I don’t believe I’ll miss a race, but I will certainly do everything possible to be at home as much as I can between those races,” Leclerc stated in Austin. “So, I might arrive a bit late. However, I will be participating in the races on Sunday.”
If he is unable to attend, who would Ferrari turn to?
Dino Beganovic
It is believed that Dino Beganovic, a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, is the leading candidate to step in for Leclerc and team up with Lewis Hamilton.
The 22-year-old Swede is competing in Formula 2 this season but has already gained some experience with this year’s Ferrari after driving Hamilton’s car during first practice in Barcelona earlier in the season. He also participated in a second FP1 session in Leclerc’s car in Austria.
He is set to become Ferrari’s official reserve, test, and development driver in 2027.
Antonio Giovinazzi
Another option for Ferrari is Antonio Giovinazzi, their long-time reserve driver. The Italian competed in F1 with Alfa Romeo from 2019 to 2021 and has since driven for Ferrari in the World Endurance Championship.
He is not expected to be the top choice for the Scuderia seat, and to complicate matters, he will be unavailable during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend due to his commitments in the WEC.
#51 Ferrari AF Corse Ferrari 499P: Antonio Giovinazzi
Who is not in contention?
Ferrari junior Ollie Bearman will already be in a Haas F1 car, while fellow academy driver Rafael Camara has yet to participate in an F1 session, making both unlikely candidates.
Leclerc currently sits fifth in the drivers’ championship, while Ferrari holds second place in the constructors’ standings, 133 points behind Mercedes as they approach this weekend. The Italian team is comfortably ahead of Red Bull and McLaren, who are tied for third, so skipping a single race is unlikely to jeopardize their second position.
Leclerc has secured second place in each of the last two races, in Singapore and Austin, and mentioned after the US Grand Prix that he is optimistic about having “a chance to win a race before the season concludes.”
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