The initial signs from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix have been positive, but Ferrari prefers not to make bold statements. However, observing the behavior and words of the team members, it is clear that Scuderia Ferrari arrived in Baku with the desire and determination to fight for victory. This ambition is driven by a dual purpose: to eliminate the zero from the wins column this season and to secure a first triumph at the Baku GP after achieving the last four pole positions and consistently performing well on the Caspian circuit. Although the challenge is tough given the current competition, it is not impossible, as both Ferrari’s simulation results and Friday’s session in Baku indicate that the SF-25 is competitive on this street track. On paper, the ingredients for success seem to be there, with the team hoping to match the top teams like Red Bull and Mercedes, who have already claimed at least one win this season.
Signs of promise
To pursue this goal, Ferrari engineers opted for a measured and non-extreme setup approach, unlike Monza, hoping that a deep understanding of the car would help the team succeed in one of the remaining races where a victory is within the SF-25’s reach. So far, this package appears to be working. The weekend started on the right foot, not so much in the unusual FP1 session (which was disrupted by a long yellow flag), but rather in the afternoon session, where the SF-25 performed optimally. Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time, followed closely by Charles Leclerc’s identical car—a surprising one-two that highlighted the SF-25’s speed over a single lap and race pace, able to outperform rivals such as McLaren, who struggled with unexpected issues but are expected to return to the front as Leclerc acknowledged. “I think there is more potential,” he said. “We seem strong. McLaren is in another league. I don’t think we’ll be fighting for the win, but never say never. I doubt we can compete with them.”
Reliability under scrutiny
Despite appearing comfortable in Baku, and only slightly downscaled during the FP3 morning session, Ferrari is still facing some challenges. After dealing with brake temperature issues yesterday—which forced both drivers to adopt lift-and-coast techniques to avoid overheating—this morning, concerns shifted to the reliability of the gearbox and power unit. Charles Leclerc’s race engineer, Bryan Bozzi, instructed him to adjust the downshifts to preserve the mechanical components.
Bozzi: “For reliability, if you can delay the downshift at turn 2.”
Leclerc: “Is it critical?”
Bozzi: “It’s critical.”
Leclerc: “I’ll try, but it’s not easy.”
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