Charles Leclerc's presence in the Spanish Grand Prix is yet to be decided with the Ferrari driver to undergo further tests to ensure he's fit enough to drive in Sunday's race.
Leclerc suffered a heavy crash into the barrier coming out of Parabolica on the second lap of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza and attended the medical centre where he was examined by the on-track doctor.
The Monegasque reported vision issues with his right eye in the immediate aftermath of the shunt before saying it eventually recovered a short while after.
Despite initial reports suggesting Leclerc's crash measured at 50g, the Spanish Grand Prix's lead doctor Dr. Isabel Ornaque has told Marca that Leclerc experienced a 23g deceleration on impact. While the Ferrari star insists he is physically fine after the incident, Ornaque will have the final say on whether he will be able to participate across the weekend.
Leclerc will be examined during Friday's first practice session at the brand new Madring in the Spanish capital with a decision on his involvement made in the aftermath,
Who will replace Charles Leclerc if he is deemed unfit to race?
Should Leclerc not be permitted to race in Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix, Ferrari have a contingency plan to replace the 28-year-old.
It's been reported in Italian media that reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi is on call in Madrid to step into the SF-26 if required.
Giovinazzi last raced in F1 back in 2021 when he finished 18th in his third season with Alfa Romeo.
The Italian's best result was a fifth-place finish at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix when he climbed from 12th on the grid as he benefited from Ferrari duo Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel colliding and Lewis Hamilton's five-second penalty for spinning Alex Albon.
Since leaving F1, Giovinazzi has carved a stellar career in the World Endurance Championship, which he won in 2025 in Ferrari. The 32-year-old also won Le Mans with the famous Italian manufacturer in 2023 alongside James Calado and Alessandro Pier Guidi.
There were murmurs Haas star Ollie Bearman was in line for a promotion into Leclerc's seat, but that will not be the case.
The Briton is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy and is considered a strong contender for a seat with the Maranello outfit in the future.
