Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has emphasized that the Scuderia must tighten up its weekend execution after a string of disappointing outcomes in recent races. Since clinching a victory at the British Grand Prix in early July – their second win in three events – the Italian outfit’s championship hopes have begun to wane. Charles Leclerc’s second‑place finish in Belgium, achieved just before the summer hiatus, stands as the sole podium the team has secured across the last five rounds. Despite the SF‑26 still showing flashes of competitiveness at various points throughout a race weekend – most notably in Madrid, where Lewis Hamilton posted a provisional pole position during the early part of Q3 only to start the race from fourth on the grid – Ferrari has struggled to translate raw speed into consistent results.
The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the narrow, wall‑lined streets of Baku presents a fresh test where driver momentum and error‑free performance are paramount, and Vasseur warns that the team must be at its very best. "The recent races have proved that our car can be genuinely fast, but they have also underscored how vital it is to assemble every element of the weekend correctly," Vasseur said.
"Baku is a very particular challenge; confidence in the machinery and flawless execution are essential. The circuit can throw a number of variables at us, so we need to stay focused on our own work, adapt to any situation that arises, and squeeze the maximum out of every opportunity." Ferrari's dearth of podium finishes has made the prospect of ending an 18‑year world‑title drought appear increasingly remote this season.
Lead driver Lewis Hamilton, who had been the points leader, fell more than 100 points behind Kimi Antonelli after retiring from the Madrid race with brake issues, while Ferrari now trail Mercedes by 145 points in the Constructors' Championship. Third‑placed McLaren have outscored the Scuderia in each of the last four rounds, narrowing the gap to just 52 points with nine races remaining. On the recent "F1 Show" podcast, former champion Nico Rosberg observed that Ferrari are consistently "very close" to the front‑running pace, yet their weekend execution continues to let them down.
"Isn't it the case that Ferrari always have messy weekends?" the 2016 world champion asked. "Their Achilles' heel remains strategy and communication – areas that have always been a weakness and still are today. The car's pace is almost there – it's damn close to being able to challenge for consistent race wins.
Even in Madrid, remember that Lewis would have comfortably finished second once Max Verstappen let him through. He would have easily taken second place behind Kimi. They're on the cusp, but they're not putting the pieces together properly. They need to make progress on that front; that's the core issue they face." The schedule for the Baku weekend is packed.
On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference will take place at 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2 pm. Thursday sees early‑morning F2 practice at 6.55 am, then the Azerbaijan GP practice sessions start at 9.30 am, with qualifying slated for 1 pm.
Friday includes the F2 sprint, a third practice session for the Grand Prix, and the crucial qualifying run that will set the grid for the race. Saturday will host the F2 feature race and the main Grand Prix itself, with the race scheduled for midday.
Sunday will feature post‑race analysis, including a chequered‑flag reaction segment. All of these events will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with additional coverage available via the NOW streaming service, which offers a contract‑free, cancel‑anytime option. Fans are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience.
Looking ahead, Ferrari must address the strategic missteps and communication lapses that Rosberg highlighted. Improving pit‑stop timing, refining race‑strategy calls, and ensuring clear, decisive messages between the pit wall and the drivers could turn the SF‑26's evident speed into tangible results. If the team can harness the confidence Vasseur speaks of and execute flawlessly on the demanding Baku street circuit, they may yet revive their title aspirations before the season draws to a close.