Charles Leclerc misses Sao Paulo GP start after birth of daughter

Charles Leclerc will not attend Thursday's media day ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, after the birth of his daughter, Bianca.

The Ferrari driver is travelling to Brazil today, having stayed behind to be present for the arrival of his first child with partner Alexandra.

Thursday's schedule at Interlagos typically includes the FIA press conference and a raft of team broadcast and sponsor commitments, all mandatory under the sporting regulations unless a dispensation is granted.

Leclerc was not included in Thursday's media schedule and is being replaced by Dino Beganovic in first practice, as part of the mandatory rule for a rookie to feature in four FP1 sessions across a season.

Missing such commitments without an approved excuse can normally result in a summons and financial penalty from the stewards, but a case like Leclerc's would be treated as a standard exemption rather than a breach.

Ferrari released a statement which read: "Charles has been exempt of attending media activities today in São Paulo, following the birth of his daughter. He will resume regular track activities from tomorrow morning."

Leclerc heads into the Brazilian round having finished fourth in Mexico City, where he was penalised for an opening lap clash with Lewis Hamilton.

The timing means Leclerc becomes a father for the first time towards the end of a hectic triple-header, with him still in the fight for second in the drivers' championship.