Beganovic on standby as Ferrari prepares for Leclerc to miss a race at birth of first child

Charles Leclerc has pledged to race through the final stretch of the 2026 Formula 1 season even as he and wife Alexandra await the birth of their first child, but Ferrari has reportedly identified a replacement driver in case circumstances force a change of plan.

The Monegasque told reporters in Austin that he does not expect to miss a grand prix, though he acknowledged he may arrive at some venues later than usual. “I don’t think I’ll miss a race, but obviously I’ll do absolutely everything to be at home as much as possible in between those races,” Leclerc said. “I might arrive a little bit late. But I will be doing the races on Sunday.”

Alexandra’s last appearance at a Formula 1 race was at the Madring in September, and with five long-haul rounds remaining — beginning in Mexico City — the timing of the birth could yet create a conflict.

Beganovic first in line

Ferrari Driver Academy member Dino Beganovic is understood to be the most likely stand-in should Leclerc be unable to compete. The 22-year-old Swede is currently racing in Formula 2 and already has hands-on experience of this year’s Ferrari machinery, having driven Lewis Hamilton’s car in first practice in Barcelona and Leclerc’s car in a second FP1 session in Austria. Beganovic is set to become Ferrari’s official reserve, test and development driver in 2027.

Giovinazzi also an option

Long-serving Ferrari reserve Antonio Giovinazzi is a secondary candidate, though he is not expected to be first choice. The Italian raced in Formula 1 with Alfa Romeo between 2019 and 2021 and has since represented Ferrari in the World Endurance Championship. His availability is further complicated by WEC commitments that would rule him out during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.

Ferrari junior Ollie Bearman is not in contention, as he will be racing for Haas, while fellow academy driver Rafael Camara has yet to take part in any F1 session.

Championship context

Leclerc currently sits fifth in the drivers’ standings, and Ferrari occupies second in the constructors’ championship — 133 points behind Mercedes but comfortably clear of Red Bull and McLaren, who are tied for third. That buffer means a single missed race would be unlikely to cost the team its runner-up position. Leclerc has finished second in each of his last two outings, in Singapore and Austin.