Charles Leclerc to Miss Emilia Romagna GP Media Day Due to Illness, Ferrari Hopes for Friday Return
Ferrari has confirmed that Charles Leclerc will not be present for the official media duties on Thursday ahead of the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. The team cited illness as the reason behind the Monegasque driver’s absence, stating that Leclerc is currently feeling unwell and will be resting away from the circuit. The hope is that this precautionary measure will allow him enough time to recover and participate in Friday’s opening practice sessions.
This development comes at a crucial juncture in the 2025 Formula 1 season. Leclerc is currently ranked fifth in the Drivers’ Championship standings, having earned 58 points so far. While he has demonstrated solid performance this year, he is still searching for his first victory of the season. His most successful result came at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where he secured a third-place finish. As a key figure in Ferrari’s driver lineup, Leclerc’s presence is not only vital for his personal championship ambitions but also for the team’s overall performance in the Constructors’ standings.
Leclerc’s teammate, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, is also facing challenges of his own. This weekend marks Hamilton’s first time racing at Imola in Ferrari colors, a highly anticipated moment for the Scuderia’s passionate fan base. However, Hamilton is currently seventh in the Drivers’ Championship with 41 points and is yet to score a podium finish in his debut season with the team.
Ferrari’s overall campaign has been far from ideal. With just 94 points in the Constructors’ Championship, the Italian team finds itself trailing behind front-runners Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren. Persistent technical issues and strategic missteps have plagued their season, preventing them from mounting a serious title challenge. Leclerc’s potential absence, even if only temporary, adds another layer of concern for the Maranello-based outfit.
Beyond team matters, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix itself faces some uncertainty regarding its long-term place on the F1 calendar. Formula 1 continues to expand its global presence, adding new venues across different continents. F1 President Stefano Domenicali has previously hinted that hosting two races in Italy—Imola and Monza—may no longer be feasible in the long run. Nevertheless, Domenicali acknowledged the strong historical and cultural connection Italy has with the sport, leaving room for further discussion about the future of these iconic venues.
This is not the first time Charles Leclerc has had to contend with health-related setbacks during a Grand Prix weekend. At the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Leclerc competed despite battling food poisoning. In a memorable gesture, he even shared a free practice session with his younger brother, Arthur Leclerc, offering fans a rare and heartfelt moment in the sport.
As the weekend approaches, both the team and Leclerc’s supporters are keeping a close eye on his condition. Ferrari is optimistic that a day of rest will be enough for him to return to the cockpit for Friday’s practice. His return would be a welcome boost as Ferrari seeks to rebound from a difficult stretch and make progress in the championship battle.
All eyes will be on the team’s garage when the action resumes on Friday. If Leclerc is deemed fit to drive, it could restore some much-needed momentum to Ferrari’s campaign. But if his condition persists, Ferrari may need to consider alternative arrangements, including the use of a reserve driver. For now, the focus remains on Leclerc’s recovery and Ferrari’s efforts to bounce back on home soil at one of Italy’s most beloved circuits.
