Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has repeatedly emphasized that the Scuderia must improve the way it handles an entire race weekend after a string of costly outcomes in recent events. Since clinching a victory at the British Grand Prix in early July – their second win in three races – the Italian outfit has seen its contention for both the Drivers' and Constructors' titles gradually slip away.
Charles Leclerc’s second‑place finish in Belgium, achieved just before the summer hiatus, remains the only podium the team has secured across the last five rounds. Despite these setbacks, the SF‑26 has continued to demonstrate pace at various points throughout a weekend. A recent example came at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, where Lewis Hamilton posted a provisional fastest lap in the early stages of Q3, only to start the race from fourth on the grid after the final session concluded.
The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the narrow, wall‑lined streets of Baku will test the team’s ability to convert raw speed into results, especially as driver momentum and error‑free execution are heavily rewarded on that circuit. "The past few races have shown that the car is capable of delivering a strong level of performance, but they have also underlined how crucial it is to bring every element of the weekend together," Vasseur explained. "Baku presents a very particular challenge where confidence in the machinery and flawless execution are paramount. The circuit can throw a number of variables at us, so we must stay focused on our own work, adapt to any situation that arises, and seize every opportunity that presents itself." Ferrari’s recent scarcity of podium finishes has made the prospect of ending an 18‑year world‑title drought appear increasingly remote.
After Hamilton fell more than 100 points behind Kimi Antonelli following a brake‑related retirement in Madrid, the Scuderia now trails Mercedes by 145 points in the Constructors' standings. Meanwhile, third‑placed McLaren have outscored Ferrari in each of the last four events, narrowing the gap to just 52 points with nine races remaining in the season.
On the Sky Sports F1 podcast "The F1 Show," former champion Nico Rosberg echoed the sentiment that Ferrari’s car is often within striking distance of the leaders, yet the team’s weekend execution continues to let it down. "Isn't it the case that Ferrari always have messy weekends?" the 2016 world champion asked. He pointed out that the team’s Achilles' heel remains in strategy and communication, areas that have historically been weak and remain so today.
"The car’s pace is extremely close – almost close enough to challenge for consistent race wins," Rosberg said. He added that even in Madrid, Hamilton would have comfortably finished second had Max Verstappen allowed him through, suggesting that a small strategic shift could have turned a strong performance into a podium.
Rosberg’s analysis highlights a recurring theme: Ferrari possesses the speed to compete with the front‑runners, but the inability to synchronize strategy, pit‑stop timing, and intra‑team communication often prevents them from converting that speed into points. This disconnect is especially damaging on a street circuit like Baku, where a single mistake can cost multiple positions due to the narrow run‑off zones and limited overtaking opportunities.
Looking ahead, the Scuderia’s agenda for the weekend includes a series of press conferences and practice sessions. The schedule lists a drivers' press conference on Wednesday morning, followed by a paddock‑uncut segment in the afternoon.
Thursday features practice sessions for both Formula 2 and Formula 1, a qualifying build‑up, and a live broadcast of "The F1 Show". Friday’s lineup includes a Formula 2 sprint, the final practice session for the Azerbaijan GP, and the qualifying session itself, which will determine the starting grid for the Saturday race. The weekend culminates on Saturday with the Grand Prix, a post‑race reaction segment, and a final analysis notebook.
For fans, the race will be streamed live on Sky Sports F1, with the option to watch via NOW without a long‑term contract, offering the flexibility to cancel at any time. The broadcast promises comprehensive coverage, including live timing, on‑track commentary, and expert analysis, ensuring that viewers can follow every strategic nuance and on‑track battle as Ferrari strives to turn its competitive potential into tangible results.
In summary, Ferrari enters the Baku Grand Prix with a clear directive from Vasseur: harness the car’s evident speed, tighten up strategic calls, and execute flawlessly across every session. The team’s ability to adapt to the unique demands of the Azerbaijani street circuit will be a decisive factor in determining whether they can close the points gap to Mercedes and McLaren, and keep alive any lingering hopes of ending their long‑standing championship drought.