Report: Beganovic is Ferrari’s likeliest stand-in for Leclerc

Ferrari Driver Academy member Dino Beganovic is understood to be the likeliest stand-in for Charles Leclerc if the Monegasque misses a late-season Grand Prix around the birth of his first child, Motorsport.com reported.

Leclerc and his wife Alexandra are expecting their first child in the final weeks of the 2026 season, but have not disclosed when the baby is due. Five long-haul races remained, starting with Mexico City.

Leclerc said in Austin that he did not expect to miss a race. He said he would do everything possible to spend as much time at home as he could between races, might arrive a little late, but would race on Sundays.

At 22, Beganovic is racing in Formula 2 and has already driven a Ferrari in first practice in Barcelona and Austria, in Lewis Hamilton’s and Leclerc’s cars respectively.

Ferrari reserve Antonio Giovinazzi is another option, but Motorsport.com says he is not expected to be first in line and will be unavailable for the Brazilian Grand Prix because of his World Endurance Championship commitments. Beganovic is due to become Ferrari’s official reserve, test and development driver in 2027.