Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has been confirmed absent from Thursday’s media day at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, as the team revealed he is unwell. This unexpected setback comes just before Ferrari’s first home race of the 2025 Formula 1 season, adding more pressure on the Scuderia after a troubling start to the year. While Leclerc will skip media obligations, he is expected to return for Friday’s opening practice sessions, with no doubts cast on his participation for the rest of the race weekend.
Ferrari had hoped for a strong showing on home soil after a disappointing start in 2025. The Italian outfit currently trails the dominant Constructors’ leader by a staggering 152 points after only six races, a tough reality following last year’s close chase, where they fell short by just 14 points to McLaren. Despite the challenges, Leclerc managed to secure Ferrari’s only podium this season with a third-place finish in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last month, highlighting his crucial role in the team’s campaign.
The 27-year-old Monegasque’s absence from media duties was confirmed by Ferrari in a statement shared with PlanetF1.com, which said,
This development has stirred concern among fans and experts, as Leclerc’s condition and its impact could influence Ferrari’s momentum in one of their most important races.
Charles Leclerc is currently in his seventh full season with Ferrari, having joined the team after his debut year with Sauber in 2018. Over his time with the Scuderia, he has amassed eight victories, 44 podium finishes, and 26 pole positions, with a career-best second place in the Drivers’ Championship recorded in 2022. Last year was also impressive for Leclerc, featuring three wins in Monaco, Italy, and the United States, showing he remains a formidable competitor.
As of now, Leclerc sits fifth in the 2025 Drivers’ standings, maintaining a 12-point lead over his teammate, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is significant as it stands as the first of two home events for Ferrari this year, with the famed Italian Grand Prix at Monza scheduled for September 7. Notably, this race at Imola is likely to be F1’s last for some time, as the current contract is set to expire at the end of the season, with no extension anticipated.
The absence of Charles Leclerc from media day casts a shadow over Ferrari’s preparation at Imola, highlighting ongoing difficulties the team faces. His quick recovery will be essential for Ferrari to preserve any chance of regaining competitive form in 2025. As one of the sport’s brightest talents, Leclerc’s ability to bounce back could well define Ferrari’s prospects for the remainder of the season, but the uncertainty remains palpable among fans and the paddock alike.
