Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has underscored the necessity of flawless weekend execution after a string of disappointing outcomes in recent Grands Prix. 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 dwindled. Charles Leclerc’s second‑place finish in Belgium, recorded just before the summer hiatus, stands as the only podium the team has secured across the last five events.
Despite the SF‑26 still appearing competitive at various points throughout a race weekend – a fact highlighted most recently in Madrid where Lewis Hamilton posted a provisional pole position after the initial Q3 runs only to start the race from fourth on the grid – Ferrari has struggled to convert that speed into consistent results. The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the narrow, wall‑lined streets of Baku will test the team’s ability to maintain composure, as the circuit notoriously punishes even minor errors and rewards drivers who can keep a steady rhythm. "The past few races have shown that our car is capable of delivering a solid level of performance, but they have also emphasized how crucial it is to assemble every element of the weekend correctly," Vasseur said. "Baku presents a very particular challenge where confidence in the machinery and precise execution are absolutely vital.
The track can throw a number of variables at us, so we must stay focused on our own work, adapt to whatever circumstances arise, and extract the maximum from every opportunity." Ferrari’s recent dearth of podium finishes has pushed the prospect of ending an 18‑year world championship drought further out of reach this season. Lead driver Lewis Hamilton, who had been leading the championship comfortably, fell more than 100 points behind Kimi Antonelli after retiring from the Madrid race due to brake failure.
Meanwhile, Ferrari now trails Mercedes by 145 points in the Constructors' standings. 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 calendar. On the F1 Show podcast, former world champion and Sky Sports analyst Nico Rosberg remarked that Ferrari is consistently "very close" to the front‑running pace but repeatedly falters in the execution of race weekends. "Isn't it the case that Ferrari always have messy weekends?" Rosberg asked, pointing to a pattern he described as an Achilles' heel in strategy and communication.
"That has always been a weakness and it remains one today. The car's speed is almost there – it's damn close to being able to challenge for race wins on a consistent basis. Even in Madrid, let's not forget, Lewis would have comfortably been in second place. He would have finished second after Max Verstappen let him through, and he could have easily taken second behind Kimi.
They're very close. They're just not putting it together properly, and they need to make progress in that area. That's the main problem they're facing." The upcoming weekend’s schedule is packed with sessions that will test both the drivers and the team’s operational efficiency.
On Wednesday, September 23, a drivers' press conference is slated for 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut interview at 2 pm. Thursday, September 24, will see F2 practice at 6:55 am, the first Azerbaijan GP practice session at 9:30 am, and F2 qualifying at 10:55 am. A team bosses' press conference is set for noon, with the second practice session beginning at 1 pm, and the F1 Show airing at 2:15 pm.
Friday, September 25, kicks off with an F2 sprint at 5:10 am, the third practice session at 9:30 am, and the F2 feature race at 11:10 am. Qualifying for the Azerbaijan GP will take place at 12:30 pm, with the official qualifying session starting at 1 pm. The day will conclude with Ted's Qualifying Notebook at 3 pm.
Saturday, September 26, features the second F2 feature race at 7:55 am, followed by the Grand Prix start at 10:30 am. The main event – the Azerbaijan Grand Prix – will run at midday, with post‑race analysis beginning at 2 pm and Ted's Notebook wrapping up the coverage at 3 pm.
All sessions will also be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event. The Baku circuit, with its long straight and tight, twisty sections, demands a perfect blend of outright speed, tyre management, and flawless pit‑stop strategy. Any misstep – whether a delayed pit call, a communication glitch, or a driver error on the narrow run‑off zones – can instantly erase any advantage. For Ferrari, the challenge is to harness the evident pace of the SF‑26 while tightening up the operational side of the weekend.
In recent years, Ferrari has struggled to translate qualifying speed into race victories, often falling victim to strategic miscalculations or sub‑optimal tyre choices. The team’s internal communication, especially between engineers and drivers during high‑pressure moments, has been cited as a recurring issue. Rosberg’s comments highlight that even when the car is within a whisker of the leaders, the inability to execute a clean race plan can be the difference between a podium and a mid‑field finish.
Looking ahead, Vasseur acknowledges that Baku is a litmus test for the Scuderia’s resolve. "If we can nail the fundamentals – a solid start, clean pit stops, and clear communication – we have a genuine shot at fighting for the win," he said. "Our rivals have been consistent, and we need to match that consistency if we want to keep our championship hopes alive." Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW without a long‑term contract, offering the flexibility to cancel at any time.
The race promises high drama, and for Ferrari, it may be the turning point that either reignites their title chase or further cements the challenges that have plagued them this season.