Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has underscored the need for flawless execution over a race weekend after a series of disappointing outcomes in recent Grands Prix. Since clinching victory at the British Grand Prix in early July – their second win in three events – 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 for Ferrari across the last five rounds. Despite the SF‑26 still showing flashes of speed at various points throughout a race weekend – most recently in Madrid, where Lewis Hamilton posted a provisional pole position in the early part of Q3 only to start the race from fourth on the grid – the team has struggled to translate raw pace into consistent results. As the calendar turns to the narrow, wall‑lined streets of Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a venue where driver confidence and precision are paramount and any mistake is quickly punished, Vasseur insists that Ferrari must bring their A‑game. "The recent races have proved that our car is capable of being competitive, but they have also highlighted how vital it is to piece together every element of the weekend correctly," Vasseur said.
"Baku presents a very particular challenge – confidence in the machinery and flawless execution are essential. The circuit can throw a number of variables at us, so we need to stay focused on our own performance, adapt to whatever circumstances arise, and seize every opportunity that presents itself." Ferrari’s scarcity of podium finishes has rendered the dream of ending an 18‑year world‑title drought increasingly elusive this season.
Lead scorer Lewis Hamilton fell more than 100 points behind Kimi Antonelli for the first time after retiring from the Madrid race with brake issues, while Ferrari now trail Mercedes by 145 points in the constructors' standings. McLaren, currently sitting third, have outscored Ferrari in each of the last four rounds, narrowing the gap to just 52 points with nine races remaining. On the recent episode of The F1 Show podcast, Sky Sports F1 analyst and former champion Nico Rosberg observed that Ferrari are consistently "very close" to the front‑running pace but repeatedly falter in the execution of race weekends.
"Isn't it the case that Ferrari always have messy weekends?" Rosberg asked. He identified the team's Achilles' heel as strategic and communicative shortcomings, noting that these have long been a weakness and remain so today. "The car's speed is almost there – it's damn close to being able to challenge for race wins on a consistent basis," he added.
Rosberg pointed to the Madrid event as a case in point, recalling that Hamilton would have comfortably finished second had the race unfolded without the brake failure, especially after Max Verstappen let him through. "He would have definitely been second behind Kimi," Rosberg said. "Ferrari are right on the cusp. They just aren't putting the pieces together properly, and they need to make progress in that area.
That's the main problem they're facing." Looking ahead, the schedule for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend is packed with sessions across both Formula 1 and Formula 2. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference will take place at 11 a.m., followed by a paddock interview at 2 p.m.
Thursday features a full slate: F2 practice at 6:55 a.m., the first F1 practice session at 9:30 a.m., F2 qualifying at 10:55 a.m., a team bosses' press conference at noon, the second practice session at 12:30 p.m., and The F1 Show at 2:15 p.m. Friday brings the F2 sprint race, the third practice session, the F2 feature race, and the crucial F1 qualifying session, which will determine the starting grid for the main event.
Saturday culminates with the F2 feature race, the Grand Prix build‑up, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix itself at midday, and post‑race analysis including a chequered‑flag reaction and a final notebook from commentator Ted. The Baku street circuit is notorious for its high‑speed straights punctuated by tight, unforgiving corners and close barriers. Success there demands not only a fast car but also impeccable strategy, flawless pit stops, and a driver who can maintain composure under extreme pressure. Any lapse in communication between the pit wall and the driver can prove costly, a point that Rosberg repeatedly emphasized when discussing Ferrari’s recent shortcomings.
For Ferrari, the upcoming weekend represents a pivotal moment. If Vasseur and his engineers can iron out the strategic missteps and improve intra‑team communication, the Scuderia could convert the SF‑26’s raw speed into tangible results. Conversely, a repeat of past errors could further widen the gap to Mercedes and McLaren, diminishing any realistic chance of breaking the long‑standing championship drought. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW – a contract‑free option that can be cancelled at any time.
The race will be broadcast in a triple‑header format, meaning that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be the centerpiece of a busy weekend of motorsport, offering viewers a comprehensive look at the sport’s top talent and the strategic battles that define modern Formula 1.