Ferrari is navigating a tricky situation as both their drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, grapple with health issues ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix.
On media day at the circuit, Leclerc was noticeably alone, engaging with the press and attending PR events with only reserve driver Robert Shwartzman sometimes by his side. Sainz, his usual race teammate, was conspicuously absent, confined to the hotel and “feeling unwell,” as stated by the Maranello-based team. Ferrari maintained a positive outlook, however, assuring that “nothing serious” was at play and expressing their expectation for Sainz to be back and ready for action the following day.
Leclerc, though present at the track, was not in peak condition himself. He revealed an ongoing battle with pain, a challenge he also faced during the US GP weekend. Initially suspecting an impacted wisdom tooth, Leclerc had to rely on painkillers to get through the events. Unfortunately, the issue persisted into the Mexico GP.
“I thought it was the wisdom tooth but it’s not. Just a bit of pain,” he explained. Leclerc confirmed dealing with a straightforward infection and toothache, but assured that his performance on the track remains unaffected. “To get into the car I take painkillers and everything is ok,” he said, managing to smile through the discomfort, “The painkillers are quite strong.”
