Leclerc misses Sao Paulo media day after birth of daughter

Charles Leclerc will not attend Thursday's media commitments at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, having stayed behind for the birth of his daughter, Bianca. Ferrari said the driver has been exempted from media activities and will resume regular track activities from Friday morning, and he is travelling to Brazil.

Dino Beganovic is replacing Leclerc in first practice, as required under the sporting regulations for a rookie to take part in four FP1 sessions in a season. Missing mandatory commitments without an approved excuse can normally lead to a summons and financial penalty, but Leclerc's absence is being treated as a standard exemption.

Leclerc finished fourth in Mexico City, where he was penalised for an opening lap clash with Lewis Hamilton, and remains in contention for second in the drivers' championship.