Breaking: Ferrari announced late driver Replacement due to emotional health…read more
Charles Leclerc to Miss Emilia Romagna GP Media Day Due to Illness, Ferrari Confirms
Ferrari has announced that Charles Leclerc will be absent from the Thursday media sessions at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, citing illness as the reason. The Monegasque driver is reportedly unwell and will remain away from the Imola circuit to rest and recover. The team is hopeful that Leclerc will be well enough to participate in Friday’s free practice sessions, though his condition will be assessed in the coming days.
This news comes at a critical stage in the 2025 Formula 1 season. Leclerc is currently ranked fifth in the Drivers’ Championship with 58 points. Despite several competitive outings, he has yet to secure a race win this year. His strongest performance so far was a third-place podium finish at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. His absence from media duties raises concerns about his ability to compete at full strength in the upcoming sessions, particularly as he and Ferrari work to close the gap to the championship leaders.
Leclerc’s teammate, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, is also facing a challenging season. This weekend marks his first time racing for Ferrari at Imola. Hamilton currently sits seventh in the standings with 41 points and, like Leclerc, is still searching for his first podium of the year. The British driver has been adjusting to the Ferrari setup, and both he and the team are under pressure to deliver results at their home Grand Prix.
Ferrari’s overall performance in 2025 has not lived up to expectations. The iconic Italian team has accumulated 94 points in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing behind the dominant Red Bull Racing, as well as strong competitors Mercedes and McLaren. Ongoing technical reliability issues and a string of questionable strategic decisions have hindered the team’s efforts to mount a serious challenge for either title. The absence of Leclerc, even if temporary, could further affect the team’s momentum at a crucial juncture in the season.
Beyond the immediate racing concerns, the future of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix itself remains uncertain. With Formula 1 continuing to expand into new markets around the world, there has been growing speculation that Italy may not retain two races on the calendar. F1 President Stefano Domenicali has previously hinted that the long-term sustainability of hosting both Imola and Monza may be in jeopardy. Still, he acknowledged Italy’s integral role in the sport’s history and culture, suggesting that the decision will not be made lightly.
Leclerc has faced health challenges before. During the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he competed despite battling food poisoning, and even shared one of the practice sessions with his younger brother, Arthur Leclerc—an emotional and memorable moment for fans.
As the race weekend approaches, Ferrari and its supporters will be anxiously monitoring Leclerc’s condition. His return to the car on Friday would provide a much-needed boost to the Scuderia’s campaign. His presence is key not only for his individual championship hopes but also for Ferrari’s push to regain competitiveness in the Constructors’ standings.
