Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Sebastian Vettel has missed the media day at Yas Marina, having stayed in Europe to welcome his third child into the world.

Sebastian Vettel missed Thursday’s media activities at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, having stayed at home in Switzerland to be with his wife Hanna as the couple welcomed their third child into the world.

Vettel has two children already, with Emilie born in early 2014 and Matilda in late 2015. He is one of the few drivers on the grid to have children, along with Kimi Raikkonen, Sergio Perez and Daniil Kvyat.

Vettel, who is notoriously protective of his family as he keeps them and his private life out of the public eye, was excused by the FIA as he was scheduled to appear at the Driver’s Press Conference alongside teammate Charles Leclerc.

Vettel is due to arrive in Abu Dhabi on Thursday evening instead, with first practice taking place on Friday morning. The baby’s arrival is well timed, as the Formula 1 season ends on Sunday, meaning Vettel has ample time to spend at home over the winter break before testing begins again in late February.

It’s been a busy day in terms of news of the driver’s personal lives. While Vettel celebrates his third child and a growing family, his front-running rival at Mercedes Valtteri Bottas announced this morning that he and his wife Emilia are divorcing after three years of marriage. They had been together since 2010. He issued a short statement acknowledging the story, and says he will speak no more about it publicly.