Charles Leclerc replaced by Ferrari in FP1 at Brazilian Grand Prix after being granted personal leave

Charles Leclerc will reportedly miss the first practice session of the Brazilian Grand Prix after rushing home for the birth of his first child.

Ferrari confirmed on Tuesday night that reserve driver Dino Beganovic would be taking part in the first practice session at Interlagos this weekend, with Leclerc presumed to make way.

According to Motorsport, this is because Leclerc had returned home to be with his wife Alexandra Saint Mieux who was expected to give birth imminently.

Alexandra confirmed the birth of their daughter Bianca on Instagram on Wednesday afternoon.

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Ferrari odd team out in Mexico

The move to call up F2 star Beganovic comes after a curious Mexican Grand Prix last weekend, where Ferrari were the only team not to run a reserve driver in Friday's first practice session.

Teams are required to run a rookie driver four times per season (twice per car).

Ferrari though are understood to expect Leclerc to return for FP2 and the rest of the weekend.

Leclerc plans to race in F1 despite new baby

Leclerc has previously stated that he would not miss a race if his child was born during the hectic F1 schedule.

"No, I don’t think I’ll miss a race", he said at the United States Grand Prix in October.

"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.

"So, I might arrive a little bit late. But I will be doing the races on Sunday."

He has also spoken on his excitement of becoming a father for the 'second' time, referring to his and Alexandra's little long-haired Dachsund, Leo.

He describes it as "very, very special", adding: "I’m just really looking forward to it".

He then added: "We already have one son in Leo, because we already consider him as a son, and it will be great to become a parent for a second time."

"Spending time with my wife, with Leo, with my family and my friends. This is probably the number one thing I try and do whenever I’ve got free time, because it’s not so often that we get it."

Ferrari war back on in Brazil

The race at Interlagos is a highly anticipated one for Ferrari, if for the wrong reasons.

Leclerc and his team-mate Lewis Hamilton had a huge falling out last time out in Mexico when fighting for the lead on the first lap.

Both drivers ran off the road as Leclerc tried to pass Hamilton around the outside of turn four, resulting in Max Verstappen splitting them both and then going on to snatch victory.

Tensions therefore are high at Ferrari where all eyes will be on the pair if they are close together on track again as they fight for P2 in the world championship, and perhaps top dog status at Ferrari.

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