Charles Leclerc could receive a grid penalty at the next Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Ferrari considering Baku as a circuit suitable for introducing new elements on its V6.
This situation notably stems from the serious accident suffered by the Monegasque at the Parabolica during the Monza weekend.
Ferrari was then forced to revert to an older power unit, resulting in a performance deficit that was particularly felt in qualifying.
Limiting the damage
Team principal Frédéric Vasseur has confirmed that a penalty should be taken at some point, without definitively announcing that it would occur in Baku.
“We will see when we have to take an engine penalty with Charles, but I think Baku should be quite good,” explained the Ferrari boss. I just said that we will have to take a penalty at some point…”
The urban layout of Baku could indeed represent an interesting opportunity. Its long straights and overtaking possibilities generally allow easier recovery through the field than on other circuits, potentially limiting the consequences of a start at the back of the grid.
Not giving up
Ferrari had also chosen not to immediately reinstall the ADUO2 engine on Leclerc’s SF-26 after his accident, the team wanting to carry out thorough checks before reusing certain components. The Scuderia will therefore have to decide before the weekend whether to take advantage of Baku to renew engine elements and accept the penalty, or if it prefers to postpone it to a later round. The operation could be considered the following week in Malaysia where the Sepang circuit would also be favorable for a strong “comeback” from the back of the grid.
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Ferrari continues to believe in its chances despite an increasingly complicated situation in the championship. After Charles Leclerc’s fourth place in Madrid, the Scuderia now trails by 145 points behind Mercedes in the Constructors’ standings, while Kimi Antonelli, already an eight-time winner this season, continues his lead in the Drivers’ championship.
Asked about the possibility that the fight against Antonelli and Mercedes is now over, Frédéric Vasseur refused to write off Ferrari’s ambitions: “Two or three weeks ago, I told you that we would take the races one after the other,” he recalls. I haven’t changed my mind. ”
Development continues
However, Ferrari must improve in qualifying. Since the resumption after the summer break, neither Leclerc nor Lewis Hamilton has managed to secure a front row spot. The average position of Ferraris on the grid is fifth, with an average deficit of 0.198 seconds to pole position.
For Vasseur, it is mainly in this pure speed exercise that the SF-26 must improve, its race pace being considered significantly more satisfactory: “It’s something we need to improve, because when you look at our race pace, it’s there. ”
Technically, Ferrari has already introduced the two upgrades of its ADUO engine allowed this season. The manufacturer is now working on a new version intended for 2027, with the goal of quickly reducing its gap to Mercedes. With nine rounds remaining in the season, Ferrari therefore intends to continue simultaneously its development for 2027 and its fight in both 2026 championships.
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