Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has been urging his crew to tighten up their performance across entire race weekends after a string of disappointing outcomes in recent events. Since clinching victory at the British Grand Prix in early July – their second win in three races – the Scuderia’s momentum in both the drivers' and constructors' championships has noticeably waned. In the five rounds that followed, the only podium finish for the Italian outfit was Charles Leclerc’s second place in Belgium, a result that now looks like a lone bright spot before the summer hiatus.
The lack of consistency is especially puzzling given that the SF-26 has repeatedly shown it can be competitive at various points during a race weekend. A recent example came in Madrid, where Lewis Hamilton posted a provisional fastest lap in the early stages of Q3, only to see his starting position slip to fourth by the end of the session. Such flashes of speed underscore the car’s underlying potential, but they also highlight a recurring problem: converting raw pace into race‑day results. As the championship moves to the narrow, wall‑flanked streets of Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Vasseur insists that Ferrari must bring their A‑game.
The Baku circuit rewards drivers who can maintain momentum and punishes even the smallest errors with severe consequences. "The recent races have shown that the car is capable of delivering a solid level of performance," Vasseur said, "but they have also demonstrated how crucial it is to stitch every element of the weekend together." He added that Baku presents a uniquely demanding environment where confidence in the machinery and flawless execution are paramount. "Baku is a very specific challenge, where confidence in the car and execution are particularly important.
It is also a circuit where the weekend can throw up several variables, so we need to stay focused on ourselves, adapt to whatever situations arise and make the most of every opportunity," Vasseur explained. Ferrari’s dwindling podium tally has made the prospect of ending an 18‑year world‑title drought appear increasingly remote. After Hamilton fell more than 100 points behind Kimi Antonelli following a brake‑related retirement in Madrid, Ferrari now find themselves 145 points adrift of Mercedes in the constructors' standings.
Meanwhile, third‑placed McLaren have outscored the Scuderia in each of the last four races, narrowing the gap to just 52 points with nine rounds remaining in the season. On the popular "F1 Show" podcast, former world champion Nico Rosberg weighed in on Ferrari’s predicament.
He observed that the team is consistently "very close" to the leading pace but repeatedly fails to deliver during race weekends. "Isn't it the case that Ferrari always have messy weekends?" Rosberg asked, pointing to a persistent strategic and communicative Achilles' heel. "It's just that Achilles' heel is still in the strategy area, communication area.
That's always been a weakness and still is a weakness of theirs now." Rosberg emphasized that the car’s speed is almost sufficient to challenge for victories, but strategic missteps keep the team from capitalising. He cited the Madrid race, noting that Hamilton would have comfortably finished second had he not been forced to retire, and that Max Verstappen had to let him through. "They're very close. They're just not putting it together properly.
And they really need to somehow make progress on that. That's the main problem they're facing," the former champion concluded.
Looking ahead, the schedule for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend is packed with sessions that will test Ferrari’s ability to improve their weekend execution. On Wednesday, a drivers' press conference is set for 11 am, followed by a paddock uncuts session at 2 pm. Thursday features a full slate of practice and qualifying sessions for both F2 and F1, along with a team bosses' press conference and the F1 Show at 2:15 pm.
Friday includes the F2 sprint, the final practice session, and the crucial qualifying run that will determine the grid for the race. Saturday’s agenda culminates with the F2 feature race and the main event – the Azerbaijan Grand Prix – slated for midday, with post‑race analysis and commentary scheduled throughout the afternoon. For fans, the race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available via NOW, offering a contract‑free, cancel‑anytime service. The Baku race is part of a triple‑header weekend that also includes other Formula 1 events, making it a key moment in the 2026 season.
As Ferrari prepares for the challenges of the street circuit, the team’s ability to fine‑tune strategy, improve communication, and fully exploit the SF‑26’s speed will be under intense scrutiny. Success in Baku could provide a much‑needed boost to their championship hopes, while another sub‑par performance may deepen concerns about their capacity to end the long‑standing title drought.