F1 Azerbaijan GP: Ferrari aiming for “an important result with both drivers” in Baku. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur expects a strong performance from Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in Baku.

F1 Vasseur: “Ferrari in Baku aiming for an important result with both drivers”

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has avoided making bold statements ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, but he has not hidden the Scuderia’s confidence. The Frenchman hopes for a positive weekend with both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, as Ferrari seeks to defend second place in the Constructors’ Championship.

Fred Vasseur has kept the handbrake firmly on when introducing the Baku race weekend. After the disappointing result at Monza, where Ferrari had openly targeted victory in front of its home fans, the French team boss chose a more cautious communication strategy for the event in Azerbaijan. The Baku City Circuit has been a favourable track in qualifying for Charles Leclerc, who has taken pole position there in each of the last four years.

However, Ferrari has never managed to win on the shores of the Caspian Sea, and the SF-25 is still chasing its first victory of the season. On paper, though, the track remains one of the most promising venues for the Scuderia. “Baku is always a stimulating weekend, with a layout that combines long straights with a very technical middle sector. Races here are usually unpredictable and full of opportunities, which is why it is important to execute everything perfectly and focus on ourselves to maximise the potential of the package we have available.”

The team principal underlined the effort put in by the Scuderia in preparation for the final eight races of the season. “The team has worked hard to refine our weekend preparation and trackside operations, and we know that in races like this, especially on a street circuit, every detail can make the difference. Our goal is to bring all the elements together to achieve an important result with both drivers.”

The main target is to defend second place in the Constructors’ Championship from the possible comeback of Mercedes. In particular, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton seems to have finally found a better connection with the Ferrari, something that had been missing for much of the season. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc has always enjoyed racing at Baku, a circuit he appreciates for its close walls and high-speed sections, where precision and confidence make all the difference.