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Charles Leclerc to Miss Emilia Romagna GP Media Day Due to Illness, Ferrari Confirms

Ferrari has announced that Charles Leclerc will miss Thursday’s media day at the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix due to illness. The Monegasque driver is currently unwell and will remain away from the Imola paddock as he focuses on rest and recovery. While the team is hopeful he’ll be well enough to participate in Friday’s practice sessions, his condition will be monitored closely in the coming days.

Leclerc’s absence comes at a crucial point in the season. He currently sits fifth in the Drivers’ Championship with 58 points and has shown flashes of speed throughout the campaign, though he’s still seeking his first victory of the year. His best finish so far came with a podium in Saudi Arabia. The news raises concerns about his ability to take on the physically demanding Imola circuit and the impact on Ferrari’s performance at their home race.

Lewis Hamilton, Leclerc’s teammate, is also under the spotlight. The seven-time world champion is still adjusting in his first season with Ferrari and is set to compete at Imola as a Ferrari driver for the first time. Hamilton, currently seventh in the standings with 41 points, has yet to reach the podium this season, putting added pressure on both drivers and the team.

Ferrari has endured an up-and-down start to 2025. With 94 points, they’re fourth in the Constructors’ Championship behind Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren. A mix of reliability issues and strategic missteps has hindered their progress, and Leclerc’s illness adds another challenge heading into a critical weekend.

This latest concern also comes amid growing questions about the long-term future of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix itself. As Formula 1 continues to expand globally, traditional tracks like Imola and Monza are facing increased scrutiny. F1 President Stefano Domenicali has reiterated the importance of Italy to the sport’s heritage but hinted that difficult calendar choices may be on the horizon.

Leclerc has shown determination in tough situations before, most notably racing through food poisoning during the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he even shared a session with his younger brother Arthur—a moment that resonated with many fans.

As the weekend draws near, all eyes will be on Leclerc’s recovery. His presence on track would be a significant boost not only for his personal campaign but also for Ferrari’s hopes of delivering a strong performance in front of their home crowd.