Ferrari are preparing contingency plans in case Charles Leclerc is forced to miss one of the remaining races of the 2026 season due to the impending birth of his first child. While the Monegasque driver has stated he does not intend to sit out any Grands Prix, the team is ensuring it has ready options should the timing of the birth require his presence at home.
The situation raises the possibility that Lewis Hamilton could race alongside a temporary team-mate before the end of the year.
### LECLERC’S PRIORITY IS CLEAR
Alexandra Leclerc is expecting the couple’s first child in the coming weeks. She has not attended a race since the Spanish Grand Prix in September, with the subsequent flyaway events considered too demanding at this stage of the pregnancy.
Leclerc, speaking in Austin, made his intentions plain. “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.”
His plan is to maximise time in Monaco and travel late to events if necessary. Ferrari, however, must prepare for the possibility that circumstances change and a last-minute absence becomes unavoidable.
### THE REMAINING CALENDAR ADDS COMPLEXITY
After the United States Grand Prix, Formula 1 heads to Mexico City and São Paulo in quick succession. A short break then precedes the final triple-header of Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The compressed schedule leaves limited flexibility should Leclerc need to prioritise family.
### WHO WOULD STEP IN?
Antonio Giovinazzi remains Ferrari’s official reserve driver and has held the role for several years. He is a viable option, though availability could be complicated if an absence coincides with the World Endurance Championship finale at Monza, where the Italian is expected to compete.
Oliver Bearman and Rafael Camara are both linked to Ferrari through the driver academy, but neither is viewed as the preferred short-term solution. Bearman is committed to Haas, while Camara has yet to complete a full Formula 1 weekend and lacks race experience at this level.
The driver most strongly linked with a potential call-up is Dino Beganovic. The Swedish-Bosnian Formula 2 racer has already completed Free Practice outings for Ferrari this season, standing in for Hamilton in Barcelona and running in Leclerc’s car in Austria. Although not the current official reserve, Beganovic is due to take on that role in 2027 alongside test and development duties after graduating from the Ferrari Driver Academy.
His existing mileage in the SF-26 would give him a practical advantage should a late replacement be required.
### WHAT IT WOULD MEAN FOR HAMILTON AND FERRARI
A temporary change of team-mate would be a significant moment for Hamilton, who has raced alongside Leclerc throughout his Ferrari tenure. It would also test the depth of Ferrari’s driver programme and the team’s ability to prepare a substitute at short notice during a critical phase of the championship.
Ferrari’s constructors’ position and the drivers’ standings remain competitive. Any absence would need to be managed carefully to minimise the loss of points.
### A FAMILIAR BALANCING ACT
Drivers becoming parents mid-season is not new in Formula 1, but the modern calendar’s intensity makes the logistics more challenging. Leclerc’s determination to race while remaining present for his family reflects the reality many athletes face. Ferrari’s quiet preparation of alternatives is simply prudent contingency planning.
For now, the expectation inside the team is that Leclerc will contest every remaining round. Should that change, the Scuderia appears ready with a shortlist — and Beganovic looks the most likely name to be called.
