Lewis Hamilton’s attempt to claim pole position for Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix has been interrupted by the hospitalisation of his Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur.

This weekend is predicted to see the Scuderia’s Hamilton and Charles Leclerc fight for a front-row slot with their red cars well-suited to the tight street circuit.

Vasseur, 58, will not be present at the track today, Ferrari confirmed. His deputy Jerome D’Ambrosio will step up in his boss’s enforced absence.

Vasseur would usually sit on the pit wall for qualifying, which starts at 2pm BST, and it is unclear whether he will be fit enough to return for the showpiece race.

Ferrari issued a statement, saying: ‘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.’

Ferrari hope to secure their first pole position of the season in qualifying later on Saturday.

Hamilton finished quickest in practice in Monte Carlo on Friday as he pursues his maiden win for the Italian team.