Charles Leclerc and wife Alexandra welcome daughter Bianca as F1 world sends congratulations

Charles Leclerc became a father on Wednesday after he and his wife Alexandra announced the birth of their daughter, Bianca, in a joint Instagram post featuring a photo of the baby’s feet and the caption “Bianca 3.11.26”.

The news arrived just days after the Mexico City Grand Prix, where Leclerc finished fourth, and ahead of this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The response from across the Formula 1 world was swift and warm.

Leclerc’s former Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz was among the first drivers to reply, writing: “So happy for you. Welcome to the world Bianca.” McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly also sent their congratulations.

Former drivers added their voices, including four-time world champion Alain Prost — who, like Leclerc, raced for Ferrari — writing: “Congratulations to both of you! Welcome Bianca. Wish you all the happiness.” Jean Alesi offered a bilingual tribute: “Bravo à super maman et super papa,” while former DTM driver Adrien Tambay added a personal note: “Best thing on earth for a dad to have a little daughter… enjoy.”

Ferrari led the team responses with “Huge congratulations to you both!!” Mercedes welcomed Bianca by name, and the FIA and its president Mohammed Ben Sulayem both offered their congratulations. F1 Academy, the all-female feeder series, looked ahead with a playful message: “Congratulations! Maybe we’ll see her on the grid in the future.”

Those closer to the paddock also joined in, including Max Verstappen’s mother Sophie Kumpen and sister Victoria, as well as Carlos Sainz’s partner Rebecca Donaldson.

The news spread well beyond the motorsport world, with actress Eva Longoria, model Nara Smith, Natalia Bryant, and singer Charlie Puth among the celebrities who responded to the announcement.