May 4, 2025; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (16) passes Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton (44) and Williams driver Carlos Sainz (55) during the F1 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

formula-1

Imola GP Predictions: Who Will Replace Charles Leclerc if He Misses Imola GP?

What are Ferrari's options for a replacement during this weekend?

Charles Leclerc is in the headlines today. The entire Formula 1 grid is preparing for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. The race is special for Ferrari as it is one of their two home races. Leclerc grabbed attention by not attending the media day today due to an illness.

Although, Ferrari have promptly confirmed that Leclerc will take part in practice session on Friday. The Monegasque is not facing any serious illness. But, the question still remains regarding the implications of him missing out.

Get well soon Charles ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MynsgHFA6R
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) May 15, 2025

Even though, there are high chances that Leclerc will race at Imola. Formula 1 fans are speculating about Ferrari’s replacement drivers. After all, the Prancing Horses will have to put in a new driver in his stead if he does not participate in Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.

Let’s go through the options available for Ferrari this weekend. Is the Maranello based outfit ready for the first? Who will replace Leclerc at Ferrari if he doesn’t race in Imola?

Ferrari’s Replacement Drivers for Charles Leclerc at Imola

The Rosso Corsa colors have four options this weekend to replace Charles Leclerc. Their roster is complete with experienced drivers in reserve. Ferrari also has the option to promote one of their rookies. Lastly, they can call up a 2025 Formula 1 to fill in for Leclerc.

1. Zhou Guanyu, Ferrari Reserve and Former F1 Driver

I drove a Ferrari F1 car today. 🥹 @ScuderiaFerrari pic.twitter.com/NBQPuKoxDy
— 周冠宇 | Zhou Guanyu 🇨🇳 (@ZhouGuanyu24) March 6, 2025

The first choice for Ferrari will be none other than Guanyu. He was a former driver in the Ferrari Driver Academy. Zhou is serving as their reserve driver in 2025. Even though, he could not perform at Sauber/ Alfa Romeo, his experience will be helpful. Guanyu had experience will Ferrari Power Units and the current generation cars.

If he does return as a substitute, he can boost his chances for a seat with Cadillac. A good performance at Ferrari can do wonders for Zhou.

2. Antonio Giovinazzi, Ferrari Reserve and Current WEC Driver

Ciao @Anto_Giovinazzi 👋 pic.twitter.com/0ZxPE9Iqro
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) April 5, 2025

Antonio Giovinazzi had been associated with Ferrari for a long time. He is currently racing for them in WEC. Giovinazzi is fairly successful in Endurance series. It is very unlikely that Ferrari will call him to Formula 1.

Giovinazzi doesn’t have any experience with 2022-spec Formula 1 cars. He will find it extremely difficult to bring in a good performance for the Prancing Horses.

3. Dino Beganovic, Ferrari Junior Team and F2 Rookie

Dino settling in ready for tomorrow 🪑👊 pic.twitter.com/DobQaxYC1K
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) April 10, 2025

Dino Beganovic made his first Formula 1 appearance in April. He was among the newest batch of rookies to drive the 2026 F1 car. But Ferrari can’t rely on him to score points if he replaces Leclerc. Beganovic is going to be a hit or miss for Ferrari.

4. Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Driver and Ferrari Driver Academy Graduate

POINTS ON DEBUT!!!!

P7 for @OllieBearman 💪#F1 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/O26j4xSkpz
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 9, 2024

Oliver Bearman is the most extreme option that Ferrari has. Ferrari can ask him to fulfill his duties in place of Charles Leclerc. If Bearman steps up for Ferrari, the Haas will have to call upon their reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa

But, the best thing about Bearman is- he is reliable and fast. Ferrari can easily call upon him to give the necessary push needed in Charles Leclerc’s stead.

Antonio Giovinazzi

Charles Leclerc

Dino Beganovic

Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

Ferrari Formula 1 Team

Formula 1

Formula 1 2025 Season

Imola

Imola GP

Oliver Bearman

Ryo Hirakawa

Rohan Singh

nhl

I work as a Writer at The Playoffs specialising in NHL, Formula 1 and Motorsports. I got into online journalism a couple of years ago. I used to be an intern for a website managing their Formula 1 content and then I served an entire year as a contractual writer.