Just In: Ferrari officially Announce late driver REPLACEMENT due to Emotional H…read more
Charles Leclerc to Miss Emilia Romagna GP Media Day Due to Illness, Ferrari Confirms
Ferrari has announced that Charles Leclerc will not be participating in Thursday’s media day ahead of the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix due to an illness. The Monegasque driver is currently unwell and will remain away from the paddock at Imola as he focuses on resting and recuperating. The team remains cautiously optimistic about his recovery and hopes he will be fit enough to return to the car in time for Friday’s practice sessions. However, Leclerc’s condition will continue to be monitored closely over the next few days.
This setback comes at a significant moment in the ongoing Formula 1 season. Leclerc is currently fifth in the Drivers’ Championship with 58 points and has shown flashes of speed throughout the campaign. However, he is yet to secure a victory this year. His strongest performance so far came in Saudi Arabia, where he finished third. The news of his illness raises concerns not only about his physical readiness for the demanding Imola circuit but also about Ferrari’s chances of securing a strong result on home soil.
Meanwhile, Leclerc’s teammate, Lewis Hamilton, is also under intense scrutiny. The seven-time world champion is navigating a period of adaptation in his debut season with Ferrari. Imola marks Hamilton’s first race at the historic track as a Ferrari driver. So far, his results have been modest by his high standards. He currently sits seventh in the standings with 41 points and has not yet appeared on the podium in 2025. Both Ferrari drivers are underperforming relative to expectations, adding pressure to the team to deliver a strong showing at their home Grand Prix.
Ferrari has had a mixed season so far, collecting 94 points in the Constructors’ Championship—placing them fourth behind Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren. A blend of technical shortcomings and questionable strategy calls has hindered the Scuderia’s performance, and now Leclerc’s illness poses yet another challenge to overcome at a crucial stage of the championship.
Beyond the immediate concerns of the race weekend, the future of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix itself is being debated. With Formula 1 continuing to expand into new markets globally, the Italian venues at Imola and Monza are under increased scrutiny. While F1 President Stefano Domenicali has emphasized the significance of Italy to the sport’s heritage, he has also hinted at difficult decisions ahead regarding the calendar’s long-term structure.
Leclerc has previously demonstrated resilience when racing under tough conditions. Notably, during the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he competed despite battling food poisoning, even sharing a practice session with his younger brother Arthur—a moment that touched many fans.
As the weekend approaches, attention turns to Leclerc’s recovery and whether he’ll be able to return to the cockpit on Friday. His participation is vital not only for his personal ambitions but also for Ferrari’s hopes of narrowing the gap in both championship races. His presence on track would offer a much-needed morale boost for the Scuderia as they aim to mount a stronger challenge in front of their home fans.
