Ferrari made progress with both the SF-26 setup and hybrid energy deployment during FP3 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, but the fundamental limitations of the car have not disappeared. Baku is proving once again how difficult it is to hide the weaknesses of a Formula 1 car when a circuit demands compromises that push those limitations into the spotlight.
The long straights create significant challenges for Ferrari’s management of the hybrid system, while the SF-26 is also no longer setting the benchmark through the corners, an area that had previously been one of its distinguishing strengths. The task heading into qualifying was therefore clear: Ferrari needed another step forward after a complicated opening day and the concerns already raised by its difficult Baku outlook for the SF-26.
Ferrari takes a cautious approach to its Baku setup changes
Ferrari began its first stint on the soft tyres, using the final practice session to study the car’s behaviour in a qualifying configuration. As on Thursday, the front axle remained a problem, with both drivers requiring an additional lap to bring the tyres into the correct operating window. A dedicated warm-up mode was also used to make that task easier.
The opening laps were complicated by the lack of grip. A strong tailwind was also disturbing the car’s aerodynamics, and both Ferrari drivers could be seen operating well below the absolute limit and leaving more margin than usual to the walls. The stint continued with several flying laps as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc gradually built confidence in the SF-26.
As the track evolved and more rubber went down, the Ferraris began to adopt more aggressive lines. The drivers also received several radio suggestions regarding how best to manage the rotation of the SF-26 by using the rotary controls behind the steering wheel and their pre-set mappings.
Even after eight laps, however, Ferrari was still working to maintain temperature in the front axle. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc could be seen weaving to generate heat as tyre temperatures tended to fall outside their target window.
Ferrari changes its hybrid deployment approach in FP3
One of the most significant developments compared with Thursday was a slight change in how Ferrari used its available electrical energy, something that could be seen clearly in the telemetry. This was particularly relevant given the energy-management challenge posed by Baku’s long straights.
Ferrari was still losing ground through the section between Turns 3 and 12, but it managed to compensate for part of that deficit by making better use of the first and final sections of the circuit. The Italian team was spreading its deployment phase differently and extracting some small advantages as a result.
Moving the limitations to areas where they cost less lap time can help, but it does not eliminate the underlying problem. Ferrari’s straight-line performance and energy use remain particularly important at Baku, and the recorded speeds can be followed through the F1 Top Speed Comparison.
SF-26 setup changes improve corner entry
Ferrari also made several adjustments to the mechanical and aerodynamic setup, and those changes appeared to be working. The improvement was especially visible during corner entry, where the SF-26 looked considerably more competitive than it had on Thursday.
The remaining question is whether all of these compromises will ultimately pay off. Lewis Hamilton managed to produce a strong lap time, finishing a little more than a tenth away from George Russell and Max Verstappen. Charles Leclerc was further behind, although the Monegasque made mistakes during his attempts.
Ferrari’s FP3 progress is real, but qualifying will give the answer
Assessing Ferrari’s true performance remains difficult. Looking at the onboard footage from its direct rivals, Mercedes, McLaren and Red Bull appeared to be using less power than they had on Thursday. Qualifying will therefore provide a much clearer picture of the power-unit advantage those teams may still hold over Ferrari.
What is clear is that the Scuderia did make progress in FP3, both with the setup of the SF-26 and with the management of its hybrid energy. Ferrari did what it needed to do, while remaining aware that the Azerbaijan circuit does not appear to favour the car’s main characteristics.
There is still some time for the engineers to study the data and optimise the package further before qualifying. The step forward is genuine; the decisive question is whether it will be enough to offset the SF-26’s remaining limitations once the leading teams turn everything up for the fight for grid position.
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