Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has repeatedly underscored the necessity of flawless weekend execution after a series of disappointing outcomes in recent Grand Prix events. Since clinching victory at the British Grand Prix in early July – their second win in just three races – the Scuderia’s momentum in both the Drivers' and Constructors' championships has noticeably waned.
Charles Leclerc’s second‑place finish in Belgium, achieved just before the summer hiatus, stands as the sole podium result for Ferrari across the last five rounds. Despite the SF‑26 still demonstrating pace at various points throughout a race weekend – most recently in Madrid, where Lewis Hamilton posted a provisional fastest lap in the opening segment of Q3 only to be relegated to fourth on the starting grid – the team has struggled to translate raw speed into consistent points. The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the notoriously unforgiving Baku street circuit will test the squad’s ability to combine confidence in the car with disciplined execution, especially as the circuit’s tight walls and high‑speed sections punish even minor errors. "The recent races have shown that the car is capable of delivering a solid level of performance," Vasseur told reporters, "but they have also highlighted how crucial it is to bring every element of the weekend together.
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." Ferrari’s scarcity of podium finishes has made the prospect of ending an 18‑year world championship drought appear increasingly remote this season.
After Hamilton fell more than 100 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli following a brake‑related retirement in Madrid, Ferrari now trail Mercedes by 145 points in the Constructors' standings. Meanwhile, third‑placed McLaren have outscored Ferrari in each of the last four races, narrowing the gap to just 52 points with nine rounds remaining.
On the F1 Show podcast, former world champion and Sky Sports analyst Nico Rosberg echoed the sentiment that Ferrari’s car is "very close" to the front‑running pace, but the team’s weekend execution continues to let them down. "Isn't it the case that Ferrari always have messy weekends?" Rosberg asked, before pinpointing strategy and communication as the team's Achilles' heel.
He noted that even in Madrid, Hamilton would likely have finished second had he not suffered a mechanical issue, and that the Scuderia’s performance is "damn close to being able to challenge consistency for race wins." Rosberg stressed that the team must improve its operational cohesion if it hopes to convert speed into results. Looking ahead to the Baku event, the schedule is packed with sessions that will test both drivers and engineers.
On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference will open the weekend at 11 am, followed by the paddock uncut at 2 pm. Thursday brings a full slate: an early F2 practice at 6.55 am, the first Azerbaijan GP practice at 9.30 am, and the F2 qualifying later in the morning. The team bosses' press conference is slated for noon, with the second practice session beginning at 1 pm and the F1 Show airing at 2.15 pm.
Friday’s agenda includes the F2 sprint at 5.10 am, the third practice session for the Grand Prix at 9.30 am, and the F2 feature race at 11.10 am. Qualifying for the Azerbaijan GP is split into two parts, with the build‑up at 12.30 pm and the official qualifying session commencing at 1 pm. The day concludes with Ted’s Qualifying Notebook at 3 pm. Saturday, September 26, will feature the second F2 race at 7.55 am, followed by the Grand Prix itself at 10.30 am.
The main race will start around midday, with post‑race analysis and reactions scheduled throughout the afternoon, including another segment of Ted’s Notebook. All of these events will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, providing fans with comprehensive coverage. The 2026 Formula 1 season continues to deliver high‑octane action, and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks the start of a triple‑header weekend that could prove pivotal for Ferrari’s championship aspirations. If Vasseur and his team can tighten up their strategic calls, improve intra‑team communication, and capitalize on the inherent speed of the SF‑26, they may yet turn the tide in Baku and keep their title hopes alive.
Otherwise, the gap to Mercedes and the relentless pressure from McLaren may widen, leaving the Scuderia to reflect on missed opportunities as the season progresses.