Breaking: Ferrari F1 Break SILENCE over sudden driver H…read more
Charles Leclerc to Miss Emilia Romagna GP Media Day Due to Illness, Ferrari Confirms.
Ferrari has officially confirmed that Charles Leclerc will be absent from Thursday’s media activities ahead of the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix due to illness. The Monegasque driver is currently feeling unwell and, as a precaution, will not be present in the paddock at Imola. He has been advised to rest and recover away from the circuit, with the team keeping a close watch on his condition. Ferrari remains hopeful that Leclerc will recover in time to participate in Friday’s practice sessions, but his fitness will be reassessed over the coming days.
This development comes at a pivotal moment in the Formula 1 season. Leclerc is currently ranked fifth in the Drivers’ Championship with 58 points. Although he has displayed flashes of competitiveness and consistency this year, a race win has continued to elude him. His standout result so far in the 2025 campaign came in Saudi Arabia, where he secured a podium finish with third place. The timing of this illness is particularly concerning given the physical demands of the Imola circuit and the pressure Ferrari faces to perform well at their home Grand Prix.
Leclerc’s teammate, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, is also facing heightened scrutiny. Now in his first season driving for Ferrari, Hamilton is undergoing an adjustment period as he adapts to his new environment and machinery. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola will be his first at the track as a Ferrari driver. Currently sitting seventh in the standings with 41 points, Hamilton has yet to achieve a podium finish in 2025—a rarity for a driver of his caliber. Both drivers are underperforming compared to expectations, increasing the urgency for a strong team performance this weekend.
Ferrari, as a team, has endured a turbulent season. They have amassed 94 points so far, placing them fourth in the Constructors’ Championship behind Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren. A combination of technical limitations and strategic missteps has hindered their progress. Now, with Leclerc’s sudden illness, another obstacle has been added to their growing list of challenges during a crucial point in the season.
Adding to the backdrop of uncertainty, the long-term future of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is also under discussion. As Formula 1 continues to expand its global footprint, traditional European venues like Imola and Monza are facing increased competition from new international circuits. F1 President Stefano Domenicali has emphasized the importance of maintaining Italy’s presence on the calendar, citing its rich motorsport heritage. However, he has also acknowledged that difficult decisions lie ahead regarding the future structure of the race calendar.
Despite these challenges, Leclerc has shown resilience in the past when racing under difficult conditions. During the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he managed to compete while suffering from food poisoning and even shared track time with his younger brother Arthur during practice—a moment that resonated with fans.
As the weekend approaches, the focus remains on Leclerc’s recovery. His return to the cockpit is not only vital for his own campaign but also for Ferrari’s aspirations in both championships. His presence would offer a crucial boost in morale for the team and fans alike, especially at such a meaningful race on home soil.
