Ferrari officially announced driver absence at Imola GP due to H….read more
Ferrari has officially announced that Charles Leclerc will be absent from his scheduled media duties on Thursday ahead of the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola due to health reasons. The team revealed that the Monegasque driver is currently unwell and will remain away from the paddock to rest and recover. While the nature of his illness was not disclosed in detail, Ferrari clarified that the decision was made as a precaution, with the intention of giving Leclerc the best possible chance to regain his strength in time for Friday’s Free Practice 1 session.
This announcement arrives at a significant moment in the 2025 Formula 1 season. Leclerc, who currently sits fifth in the Drivers’ Championship standings, has accumulated 58 points so far. While he has shown strong pace and consistency in several races this year, he is still in pursuit of his first race victory of the season. His highest finish to date was a third-place podium at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a performance that demonstrated his competitiveness but also highlighted the challenges Ferrari faces in taking the fight to the front-runners.
Leclerc’s role within the Ferrari team remains critical, both in terms of individual performance and his contribution to the Scuderia’s campaign in the Constructors’ Championship. Ferrari has been pushing hard in 2025 to close the gap to their main rivals, and having their lead driver at full fitness is vital for those ambitions. His absence, even from media engagements, will undoubtedly raise some concerns, but the team appears confident that the situation is manageable and temporary.
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix holds particular importance for Ferrari, as Imola is essentially a home race for the Italian team. The passionate Tifosi will be eager to see both Ferrari drivers in action, making Leclerc’s presence on track all the more significant. Should he recover in time to participate in practice and the race itself, his performance will be closely watched, not just for the sake of points, but also as a morale booster for the team and its fans.
For now, Ferrari has prioritized Leclerc’s health and is hopeful that rest will be sufficient for his return to full duties over the weekend. The situation will continue to be monitored closely as the team prepares for the race at one of Formula 1’s most iconic venues.