Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has underscored the necessity of flawless execution over a race weekend after the Scuderia endured a series of disappointing outcomes in recent events. Since clinching victory at the British Grand Prix in early July – their second win in three races – Ferrari’s momentum in both the Drivers' and Constructors' championships has noticeably waned. The only podium finish for the team in the last five rounds came when Charles Leclerc secured second place at the Belgian Grand Prix just before the summer hiatus. Despite the SF-26 showing flashes of competitiveness at various points during race weekends – 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 – the team has struggled to convert speed into consistent results.
As the championship moves to the narrow, wall‑lined streets of Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a venue where driver confidence and error‑free performance are paramount, Vasseur insists that Ferrari must bring their A‑game. "The recent races have demonstrated that our car is capable of delivering a solid level of pace, but they have also highlighted how crucial it is to assemble every element of the weekend correctly," Vasseur said.
"Baku presents a very specific challenge; confidence in the car and flawless execution are especially important here. The circuit can throw a number of variables at us, so we need to stay focused on our own performance, adapt to any situation that arises, and capitalize on every opportunity." Ferrari's scarcity of podium finishes this season has pushed the prospect of ending an 18‑year world title drought further out of reach.
After Hamilton’s retirement in Madrid due to brake issues, he fell more than 100 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli for the first time. Meanwhile, Ferrari now trail Mercedes by 145 points in the Constructors' standings.
The gap has been steadily widening as third‑placed McLaren have outscored the Scuderia in each of the last four rounds, narrowing the distance to just 52 points with nine races remaining. On the popular "F1 Show" podcast, former world champion Nico Rosberg echoed the sentiment that Ferrari are consistently "very close" to the front‑running pace but are repeatedly let down by their weekend execution.
"Isn't it the case that Ferrari always have messy weekends?" Rosberg asked, pointing to a long‑standing Achilles' heel in strategy and communication. "Their weakness has always been in those areas, and it remains a problem today.
The car's speed is almost there – it's damn close to being able to challenge for consistent race wins. Even in Madrid, Lewis would have comfortably finished second if Max Verstappen had let him through. He would have easily taken second place behind Kimi.
They're on the cusp, but they aren't piecing it together properly. They need to make progress in that department, and that is the main issue they face." The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend is packed with sessions across both Formula 1 and Formula 2, beginning with practice runs on Thursday and culminating in the Grand Prix itself on Saturday.
The schedule includes multiple practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and supporting races, all of which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and streamed via NOW for subscribers. Looking ahead, Ferrari must address the strategic missteps that have plagued them this season. Improved communication between pit wall and drivers, clearer decision‑making on tyre strategy, and a more disciplined approach to racecraft could help translate the SF‑26's raw speed into tangible results.
If the team can fine‑tune these elements, Baku could become a turning point, allowing them to re‑ignite their challenge for both the Drivers' and Constructors' titles as the 2026 season progresses. In summary, while the Scuderia possesses a car capable of fighting at the front, the gap between potential and performance lies largely in execution. With the high‑stakes environment of Baku looming, Vasseur and his crew face a critical test: can they align strategy, communication, and driver confidence to finally convert speed into podiums and keep the dream of ending the long‑standing title drought alive?