Ferrari issue statement as Charles Leclerc unexpectedly misses Imola Grand Prix event

Ferrari have issued an official statement with Charles Leclerc set to miss an event leading up to this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

After a short break on the back of the Miami Grand Prix, F1 will return with a European triple header, starting this weekend in Imola.

After Imola, the Monaco Grand Prix will take place next weekend and then it will be followed by the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.

As always, Thursday is the media day where drivers will be attending press conferences ahead of the race weekend.

It was announced on Thursday morning that Ferrari star Leclerc will not be present, after feeling unwell.

However, it has been mentioned that the Monegasque is expected to be in the car when the first practice session gets underway on Friday.

A statement from the team read: "Charles is feeling unwell and will not be coming to the track today. He will rest and focus on recovering and we expect him to be in the car tomorrow."

Despite Ferrari's struggles in the 2025 season, Leclerc has managed to score valuable points as he currently sit fifth in the standings with 53 points, 12 ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Last time out in Miami, Leclerc and Hamilton were involved in a controversial moment as Ferrari hesitated on a strategy.

Hamilton overtook his teammate but was then instructed to swap positions - the approach being an attempt for Leclerc to get past Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes.

When Williams' Carlos Sainz was hot on his trail, Hamilton couldn't resist a dig when he quipped, "Do you want me to let him pass as well?”.

Leclerc finished a place higher than Hamilton in seventh but there appears to be no tension between the two after the race.

Speaking about the incident, Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur said: "I’m never upset with this as long as we are able to have a good discussion after.

"We have to keep in mind that they have to jump on the radio driving in Miami at 330kph between the walls, under the pressure with the result."