Who could replace Charles Leclerc at Spanish GP if Ferrari driver is ruled out?

Charles Leclerc could face further medical checks before the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid following his violent crash at Monza, although the Ferrari driver’s own comments suggested there was no immediate reason to expect him to miss the next race. The Monegasque returned home with no points from Ferrari’s Italian Grand Prix after an error sent his SF-26 heavily into the barriers, leaving the focus on whether he has suffered any lingering physical effects.

Ferrari’s home Grand Prix lasted only a couple of laps for Charles Leclerc. His opening lap had already been extremely eventful, featuring contact with Lewis Hamilton and several battles immediately after the start. On the second lap, however, Charles Leclerc began to suffer badly from a lack of energy deployment after attacking and passing Pierre Gasly’s Alpine.

Charles Leclerc’s Spanish GP fitness in focus after Monza crash

Approaching the Roggia chicane, the Mercedes Power Unit in Pierre Gasly’s Alpine demonstrated its straight-line advantage and allowed the Frenchman to fight back, dropping Charles Leclerc to third place. Max Verstappen then overtook the Ferrari shortly before Ascari, leaving Charles Leclerc vulnerable to Oscar Piastri’s McLaren.

Oscar Piastri attempted to attack down the inside at the Parabolica, but only a few metres later the SF-26 began to snap from side to side. Charles Leclerc lost control and struck the barriers heavily in an accident measured at around 50 to 60G. The impact brought his Italian Grand Prix to an abrupt end and understandably raised questions about his physical condition afterwards. Lewis Hamilton later also addressed his team-mate’s wellbeing following the huge Monza impact.

Charles Leclerc says he is fine but further checks may be required

“More than the blow to morale, it was the physical hit. It was quite hard. I was a little worried about my eyesight because I couldn’t see very well out of my right eye, but now it has passed, everything is fine. I did all the checks and that is the most important thing. That was what worried me most when I got out of the car. Afterwards, there was a bit of pain here and there, which is normal after an accident like that, so nothing more. I think I will have to undergo some other tests. We still need to do a few checks, probably tonight and tomorrow, to make sure we are in perfect shape for Madrid. It should be fine, but it is better to be safe than sorry.”

It is therefore not yet clear whether Charles Leclerc subsequently completed further medical checks to establish whether the impact caused any additional problems. However, his comments were reassuring for Ferrari supporters, with the Monegasque making clear that every precaution would be taken before travelling to Madrid.

The scale of the accident, at somewhere between 50 and 60G, recalls the force involved in Max Verstappen’s Copse crash. The Dutch driver later revealed that he had suffered blurred and double vision for some time following that accident and competed in several races while dealing with the problem.

Could Charles Leclerc miss the 2026 Spanish GP?

Ferrari will have investigated Charles Leclerc’s condition carefully following such a severe impact, but concern among fans inevitably grew in the hours after the Italian Grand Prix. Based on Charles Leclerc’s own comments, there did not appear to be a significant risk of him missing Madrid, although the outcome of any remaining checks would naturally be important before he returns to the cockpit.

The next question would be who could take his place in the SF-26 if he were unable to compete. The most obvious name mentioned would be Oliver Bearman, who could potentially also face the prospect of starting from the back if damage to Charles Leclerc’s Power Unit resulted in component penalties.

Both Charles Leclerc’s fitness and the condition of his Ferrari therefore remain points to follow ahead of Madrid. For now, the expectation is that the Monegasque will be healthy and ready to lower his visor again in Spain, with further developments available through ScuderiaFans’ dedicated Charles Leclerc coverage.