Frédéric Vasseur, the Ferrari team principal, will miss qualifying in Monaco on Saturday after being taken unwell.

Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are both expected to challenge for pole position, but Vasseur, 58, is being kept “under observation” at a local medical facility in Monaco. 

It is unclear whether the Frenchman will be back in time for Sunday’s grand prix. No further medical information was provided by the team, who merely said in a statement on Saturday morning that they wished their boss a “speedy recovery” and looked forward to seeing him back at the track “soon”.

Vasseur will miss the most important qualifying session of the season, given how difficult it is to overtake around Monaco’s tight, twisty streets during the actual race. 

Moreover, it is a qualifying session for which his team are highly fancied. Hamilton, who is still searching for his first Ferrari win, and Leclerc, a local who has a stellar record at his home race, finished one-two in both practice sessions on Friday. The Monegasque topped the first session with the Briton finishing fractionally ahead in the second.

Ferrari prioritised a smaller turbo in the new engine regulations for 2026, which means their car lacks top-end power but is useful at starts and low-speed pick-up – ideal for Monaco.

Mercedes have won every race so far this season, with Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli having won the last four to establish a 43-point lead over Britain’s George Russell.

Ferrari said in a statement: “Fred Vasseur will not be present at the circuit today. Following some medical checks, Fred will remain under observation at a local medical facility. No further medical information will be provided. We wish Fred a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back at the track soon.”