Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has repeatedly emphasized that the key to reversing the Scuderia’s recent slump lies in executing each race weekend with greater precision. After a series of costly missteps over the past few events, the Italian squad is now looking ahead to the challenging street circuit of Baku, where any error is swiftly punished and driver momentum can make the difference between a podium and a mid‑field finish. The season’s narrative took a hopeful turn in early July when Charles Leclerc secured Ferrari’s second victory in three races by winning the British Grand Prix. That triumph, however, proved to be a fleeting glimpse of the team’s potential.
In the subsequent rounds, the Scuderia’s performance has waned noticeably. Leclerc’s second‑place finish in Belgium was the only podium the team managed before the summer break, and the last five races have yielded just that solitary top‑three result. Despite the apparent decline, the SF‑26 chassis has continued to demonstrate flashes of competitiveness at various stages of a race weekend. A recent example came during the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, where Lewis Hamilton posted a provisional pole position after the initial runs of Q3, only to see his starting slot slip to fourth on the final grid.
That episode underscored the car’s raw speed but also highlighted the difficulty Ferrari has in converting that speed into consistent, race‑winning outcomes. Now, as the calendar rolls into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the stakes are especially high.
Baku’s narrow, wall‑lined streets demand absolute confidence in the car’s handling and flawless execution from the drivers and engineers alike. Vasseur summed up the situation succinctly: “The last few races have shown that our car can be very competitive, but they have also revealed how crucial it is to bring every element of the weekend together.” He added that Baku presents a "very specific challenge" where both confidence in the machinery and meticulous execution are paramount.
The team’s recent lack of podium finishes has made the prospect of ending an 18‑year world‑title drought appear increasingly remote. In the Drivers’ Championship, Lewis Hamilton fell more than 100 points behind the rising star Kimi Antonelli after a brake‑related retirement in Madrid, while Ferrari now trails Mercedes by 145 points in the Constructors’ standings. McLaren, currently sitting third, has outscored Ferrari in each of the last four rounds, narrowing the gap to just 52 points with nine races remaining. During an episode of The F1 Show podcast, former world champion Nico Rosberg weighed in on Ferrari’s predicament.
He described the Scuderia as being "very close" to the leading pace but consistently let down by its execution of race weekends. Rosberg pointed to a recurring pattern: "Isn't it the case that Ferrari always have messy weekends?" He identified strategy and communication as the team’s Achilles’ heel, noting that these weaknesses have persisted despite the car’s evident speed. Rosberg illustrated his point by recalling the Madrid race, where Hamilton, had he stayed out longer, would likely have finished second behind Max Verstappen, who was instructed to let him through. "They’re very close.
They’re just not putting it together properly," Rosberg said, urging Ferrari to make tangible progress in their operational approach. Looking ahead to Baku, Vasseur stressed the importance of staying focused on the team’s own performance, adapting to any variables the weekend might throw their way, and capitalising on every opportunity.
The street circuit’s unique layout, with its long straights and tight corners, amplifies the impact of strategic decisions, pit‑stop timing, and driver confidence. A single misstep—whether a tyre choice error, a communication breakdown, or a brief loss of concentration—can quickly turn a promising run into a costly retirement.
In practical terms, Ferrari will need to fine‑tune several key areas before the race weekend begins. First, the team must ensure that their pit‑stop procedures are as swift and error‑free as possible, shaving off precious tenths of a second that can be decisive on Baku’s high‑speed sections.
Second, clear and concise communication between the pit wall and the drivers will be essential, especially when rapid decisions about tyre strategy are required under changing track conditions. Finally, the drivers themselves must maintain a delicate balance between aggression and caution, exploiting the car’s speed while respecting the unforgiving nature of the street circuit. The weekend schedule is packed, with practice sessions, qualifying, and a series of supporting events such as Formula 2 races and media briefings.
Ferrari’s engineers will have limited time to gather data, test setups, and refine their approach, making every lap in practice a valuable opportunity to understand how the SF‑26 behaves on Baku’s abrasive surface and fluctuating grip levels. If the Scuderia can align its strategic thinking, improve internal communication, and extract the maximum performance from the SF‑26, there is still a realistic chance of turning the tide in both championships. Even a single podium finish in Azerbaijan could reignite confidence within the team and signal to rivals that Ferrari remains a threat despite the points deficit.
In summary, the path forward for Ferrari hinges on three core principles: flawless execution, adaptive strategy, and unwavering driver confidence. As the Baku Grand Prix approaches, the world will be watching to see whether Vasseur’s call for a cleaner, more cohesive approach translates into tangible results on the track. The outcome will not only affect the immediate race but could also shape the narrative of Ferrari’s 2026 campaign, determining whether the historic marque can finally break its long‑standing title drought or continue to watch from the sidelines as its rivals forge ahead.
Wednesday September 23 – 11 am: Drivers’ Press Conference; 2 pm: Paddock Uncut Thursday September 24 – 6:55 am: F2 Practice; 9 am: Azerbaijan GP Practice 1 (starts 9:30 am); 10:55 am: F2 Qualifying; 12 pm: Team Bosses’ Press Conference; 12:30 pm: Azerbaijan GP Practice 2 (starts 1 pm); 2:15 pm: The F1 Show Friday September 25 – 5:10 am: F2 Sprint; 9:15 am: Azerbaijan GP Practice 3 (starts 9:30 am); 11:10 am: F2 Feature Race 1; 12:30 pm: Azerbaijan GP Qualifying build‑up; 1 pm: AZERBAIJAN GP QUALIFYING; 3 pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook Saturday September 26 – 7:55 am: F2 Feature Race 2; 10:30 am: Grand Prix; Sunday – Azerbaijan GP build‑up; 12 pm: THE AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX; 2 pm: Chequered Flag reaction; 3 pm: Ted’s Notebook All events also broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event.