F1 Imola GP, Charles Leclerc absent on Day 1: how is he ahead of FP1?

F1 Imola GP, Charles Leclerc absent on Day 1: how is he ahead of FP1? – PHOTO. Charles Leclerc missed Media Day at Imola due to illness but returned smiling on Friday,.

Thursday of the Santerno weekend began with an unpleasant surprise. One of the most anticipated faces of Media Day in Romagna had to raise the white flag for the first day at the circuit. Due to a physical ailment, Charles Leclerc had to miss Thursday of the Imola GP: absent from the press conferences, the Monegasque driver is now preparing to get into his Ferrari for the first free practice session in Italy.

Formula One has arrived in Emilia Romagna for the first European round of the 2025 World Championship. The Imola Grand Prix opens the European leg of F1 and welcomes the Circus for the first of two Italian race weekends. Located just under 90 km from Maranello, the Santerno circuit is the true home race for the Modena-based Scuderia, eager to turn things around after a difficult start to the season.

Present at the circuit for the first day of the weekend, the press could not hear Charles Leclerc’s thoughts ahead of the Imola GP. The Monegasque driver of the Prancing Horse had to sit out Thursday. On the usual “Media Day”, drivers spend time in the paddock giving interviews and attending press conferences, but this time Leclerc could not make it to the track as scheduled.

How is Charles Leclerc doing just hours before Free Practice in Imola?
“Charles is not feeling well and will not be in the paddock on Thursday. He’ll rest and focus on recovery,” Scuderia Ferrari had announced during the day. Struck by a physical ailment, Leclerc spent Thursday resting with the goal of regaining full form ahead of the on-track sessions.

How is Charles Leclerc, absent on Thursday, just hours from FP1 of the Imola GP? On Friday morning, the Ferrari Monegasque arrived punctually at the paddock gates. “Clocking in,” Maranello’s #16 greeted fans with a beaming smile. After a “good morning” to those present at the circuit, Leclerc posed for a few photos, showing a reassuring smile. The Ferrari driver’s discomfort seems behind him – Charles Leclerc is ready to hit the track for FP1 of the Imola Grand Prix.