Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has repeatedly underscored the necessity of delivering flawless weekends 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, achieved just before the summer hiatus, remains the sole podium for the team across the last five events. Despite the SF‑26 still showing signs of competitiveness at various points throughout a race weekend – most recently in Madrid, where Lewis Hamilton posted a provisional pole position in the early phase of Q3 only to start the race from fourth on the grid – Ferrari has struggled to translate raw speed into consistent results.
The upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, set on the narrow, wall‑lined streets of Baku, will test the team’s ability to maintain focus and avoid costly errors, as the circuit notoriously punishes any lapse in concentration. "The recent races have proved that our car possesses a solid level of performance, but they have also highlighted how crucial it is to piece together every element of the weekend," Vasseur said. "Baku presents a very particular challenge where confidence in the car and flawless execution are paramount.
The circuit can throw a number of variables at us, so we must stay locked on our own performance, adapt to any situation that arises, and seize every opportunity that presents itself." Ferrari's scarcity of podium finishes has amplified concerns that the team’s long‑standing 18‑year world championship drought may become increasingly difficult to overcome this season. Lead driver Charles Leclerc has fallen more than 100 points behind Mercedes’ star Lewis Hamilton after Hamilton retired from the Madrid race due to brake failure, while Ferrari now trails Mercedes by 145 points in the constructors' standings. Meanwhile, third‑placed McLaren have outscored Ferrari 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 Nico Rosberg pointed out that Ferrari are consistently "very close" to the front‑running pace but that their weekend execution continues to let them down.
"Isn't it the case that Ferrari always have messy weekends?" Rosberg asked, noting that the team’s Achilles' heel remains in strategy and communication. "That has always been a weakness and it still is today. The car's pace is close – damn close – to being able to challenge for race wins.
Even in Madrid, Lewis would have comfortably finished second had Max Verstappen let him through, and he would have easily taken second place behind Kimi Antonelli. They're right on the cusp, but they aren't putting the pieces together properly. They need to make progress in that area – that's the main problem they face." The upcoming race weekend in Baku is packed with sessions that will test the Scuderia’s ability to improve on past shortcomings.
On Wednesday, September 23, a drivers' press conference is scheduled for 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2 pm. Thursday sees the start of the F2 practice at 6:55 am, with the Azerbaijan GP practice one beginning at 9:30 am, followed by F2 qualifying and the team bosses' press conference. Practice two is slated for 12:30 pm, and the F1 Show will air at 2:15 pm. Friday’s agenda includes the F2 sprint at 5:10 am, the third practice session for the Grand Prix at 9:30 am, and the F2 feature race at 11:10 am.
Qualifying for the Azerbaijan GP will take place at 1 pm, with the final qualifying notebook from Ted broadcast at 3 pm. Saturday, September 26, features the F2 feature race at 7:55 am, the Grand Prix build‑up at 10:30 am, and the main race itself at noon.
Post‑race reaction and analysis will follow throughout the afternoon. All sessions will also be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event, and the race will be available via the NOW streaming service, offering a contract‑free, cancel‑anytime option for viewers. As the 2026 Formula 1 season progresses, Ferrari’s performance in Baku could prove pivotal. If Vasseur and his engineering team can fine‑tune strategy calls, improve communication, and extract the maximum from the SF‑26, they may yet turn the tide and re‑ignite their title hopes.
Conversely, any repeat of past missteps could further widen the gap to Mercedes and McLaren, deepening the pressure on both drivers and the organization as the championship enters its decisive phase.