Ferrari officially Announce Late driver REPLACEMENT due to

Ferrari officially Announce Late driver REPLACEMENT due to Emotional H….read more

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 team released a statement indicating that the Monegasque driver is currently unwell and, as a precautionary measure, will not be present at the Imola paddock. Instead, Leclerc will stay away from the circuit to rest and prioritize his recovery. Ferrari has not provided specific details about the nature of the illness but expressed cautious optimism regarding his return to the track in time for Friday’s practice sessions. They noted that his health will continue to be closely monitored in the coming days before making a final decision about his participation in the weekend’s race events.

This unexpected development comes at a crucial time in the current Formula 1 season, as Leclerc has been a consistent point-scorer for Ferrari, contributing significantly to the team’s performance. He currently holds fifth place in the Drivers’ Championship standings with 58 points, showcasing strong performances in several races. Despite this, he has yet to claim a race win this season. His best finish to date was a third-place podium in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where he demonstrated promising pace and racecraft. Ferrari and Leclerc fans had hoped that Imola, the team’s home race in Italy, would present a golden opportunity to build momentum and challenge for a stronger result.

The news of Leclerc’s absence from media day has understandably sparked concern among supporters and within the Ferrari camp. Imola is a demanding and technical circuit, and having both drivers in peak condition is essential for teams looking to capitalize on performance gains. While missing media day does not directly impact race performance, it is often seen as a key part of race weekend preparations, offering drivers a chance to engage with media, discuss strategy, and get into the rhythm of the event.

Should Leclerc be unable to participate in Friday’s practice sessions or the race itself, Ferrari may need to consider an alternate plan, which could include calling upon a reserve driver. However, at this stage, there is no official word on a replacement, as the team remains hopeful that Leclerc’s condition will improve in time. Regardless, his health and well-being remain the top priority for the team.

Ferrari will likely provide further updates as the situation develops. For now, the focus remains on Leclerc’s recovery and the hope that he will be well enough to return to action for what is one of the most meaningful races on Ferrari’s calendar.