Leclerc Left Red-Faced After Pre-Season ‘Damage’—But Not on Track!
The 2025 Formula 1 season is still weeks away from its opening race, but Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has already experienced his first setback—though this one had nothing to do with his car. Instead, the Monegasque driver found himself “embarrassed” after an unexpected mishap during a pre-season studio shoot, and the culprit? A little too much indulgence over the winter break.
A Surprising ‘Incident’
Leclerc, known for his dedication to training and peak physical fitness, attended a Ferrari promotional shoot ahead of the season when the issue arose. While details remain light, Leclerc himself admitted that the problem stemmed from some extra weight gained over the holidays.
The lighthearted confession has sparked amusement among fans, as the 26-year-old driver is usually seen in top shape. However, even elite athletes are not immune to festive temptations, and it seems Leclerc enjoyed his time off before returning to the grueling demands of an F1 season.
“I might have had too much food over the break,” Leclerc joked when discussing the minor incident. “I’ll make sure I’m back in shape for the season, don’t worry.”
Pre-Season Preparations Underway
Despite the humorous nature of the incident, Leclerc and Ferrari are laser-focused on the upcoming campaign. The Scuderia has high hopes for 2025, with their SF-25 challenger expected to be a significant step forward from last year’s car. While Red Bull remains the benchmark, Ferrari’s improvements—combined with Leclerc’s hunger for a maiden world title—could make them serious contenders.
Leclerc has been spending time at Maranello working with the team ahead of pre-season testing. With simulator sessions, fitness training, and technical briefings ramping up, any holiday weight concerns will quickly be a thing of the past.
A Lighthearted Moment in an Intense Season
While the incident was minor, it has provided a rare moment of levity before the real action begins. F1’s pre-season build-up is often filled with speculation, pressure, and intense preparation, so Leclerc’s self-deprecating humor has been well received. Fans on social media were quick to react, with many jokingly suggesting that Ferrari might need to adjust the weight distribution of their car.
Some even referenced the infamous “winter kilos” that drivers often joke about, highlighting that Leclerc is not alone in his off-season indulgence. With drivers pushing their bodies to the limit during the season, the winter break is often their only chance to relax.
What’s Next for Leclerc and Ferrari?
With the SF-25 set to be unveiled soon and pre-season testing in Bahrain fast approaching, Leclerc and Ferrari will be eager to hit the ground running. The team will be aiming for a strong start to 2025, hoping to challenge Red Bull’s dominance and fend off competition from Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin.
As for Leclerc’s “damage”? It’s nothing that a few extra laps in the gym won’t fix.
