Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has underscored the necessity of flawless weekend execution after a string of disappointing results in recent Grands Prix. 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 dwindled. Charles Leclerc’s second‑place finish in Belgium, achieved just before the summer hiatus, stands as the sole podium for Ferrari across the last five rounds, a stark contrast to the high expectations that followed their earlier triumphs. The performance of the SF‑26 remains promising, showing competitive speed at various points throughout a race weekend.
A recent illustration of this came in Madrid, where Lewis Hamilton posted a provisional pole position after the opening runs of Q3, only to be relegated to fourth on the starting grid after the final session. This fluctuation highlights the car’s raw pace but also the team’s difficulty in translating that speed into optimal qualifying outcomes.
Now the squad heads to the tight, wall‑lined streets of Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a circuit where driver confidence and error‑free execution are paramount. Vasseur insists that Ferrari must be at their very best to contend on a track that notoriously punishes any lapse in concentration. "The recent races have shown that our car can be genuinely competitive, but they have also reminded us how crucial it is to stitch every element of the weekend together," the team boss explained.
"Baku presents a very particular challenge – confidence in the car and flawless execution are essential. Moreover, the weekend can throw a number of variables our way, so we must stay focused on ourselves, adapt to any situation that arises, and seize every opportunity." Ferrari's dwindling podium appearances have rendered the prospect of ending an 18‑year world‑title drought increasingly remote this season. After Hamilton fell more than 100 points behind Kimi Antonelli following a brake‑related retirement in Madrid, Ferrari now trail Mercedes by 145 points in the Constructors' Championship. Meanwhile, third‑placed McLaren have outscored the Italian team in each of the last four races, narrowing the gap to just 52 points with nine rounds remaining.
During an appearance on The F1 Show podcast, former champion Nico Rosberg echoed the sentiment that Ferrari’s pace is tantalisingly close to the front‑running pack, yet their weekend execution continues to let them down. "Isn't it the case that Ferrari always have messy weekends?" Rosberg asked, pointing to a persistent strategic and communication weakness that has plagued the team for years. He added, "Their Achilles' heel remains in strategy and communication. That’s always been a flaw and it still is today.
The car’s speed is almost there – it’s damn close to being able to challenge for consistent race wins. Even in Madrid, let’s not forget, Lewis would have comfortably finished second after Max Verstappen let him through.
He would have easily taken second place behind Kimi. They’re very close; they just aren’t putting it together properly.
They need to make progress on that. That’s the main problem they face." The Baku weekend schedule is packed with action, beginning with the drivers' press conference on Wednesday, September 23 at 11 am, followed by a paddock interview at 2 pm.
Thursday’s agenda includes early‑morning F2 practice, the Azerbaijan GP practice sessions, qualifying, and a team bosses' press conference. Friday features the F2 sprint, a third practice session for the Grand Prix, and the crucial qualifying session that will set the grid for the race. Saturday culminates in the main event – the Azerbaijan Grand Prix – with post‑race analysis and reaction segments slated throughout the afternoon.
For fans eager to follow the drama, the race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW without a long‑term contract, allowing cancellation at any time. The Baku street circuit, known for its high‑speed straights juxtaposed against tight, twisty sections, will test both the car’s aerodynamic efficiency and the drivers’ precision.
Mistakes are often costly, and the ability to adapt strategy on the fly will be under the microscope, especially given Rosberg’s comments about Ferrari’s strategic frailties. In summary, Ferrari enters Baku with a clear directive: harness the evident speed of the SF‑26, eliminate strategic missteps, and deliver a seamless performance across qualifying and the race. Success in Azerbaijan could reignite their championship aspirations and provide a much‑needed morale boost ahead of the remaining rounds.
Conversely, another sub‑par weekend would further widen the gap to Mercedes and McLaren, making the title chase increasingly untenable. The upcoming race will therefore serve as a pivotal barometer for the Scuderia’s ability to translate potential into podium finishes as the 2026 season progresses.