Charles Leclerc confident for pole in Baku, but Ferrari’s race pace raises questions

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Charles Leclerc aims to extend pole streak in Baku as Ferrari faces race pace challenges

Charles Leclerc will attempt to extend his impressive streak of pole positions in Baku, a circuit he has always loved. While the Monegasque driver would like to end Ferrari’s winless streak, concerns remain about the SF-25’s race pace, particularly against McLaren and a Red Bull that showed renewed strength after Monza.

Leclerc has previously thrilled fans in his home country and in Monza, but if there is one track where he consistently stands out, it is Baku. In 2017, just days after his father’s passing, he delivered an emotional and dominant Formula 2 weekend in Azerbaijan. The following year, he scored his first Formula 1 points with Alfa Romeo-Sauber, and since 2021, he has consistently secured pole positions at the venue. However, a victory has so far eluded him.

Charles Leclerc has stated that whenever he arrives at this circuit, he feels he can perform well. Even in seasons when Ferrari was not the favorite, he has managed to claim pole. He noted that while securing pole is key to starting the race in the best position, it does not guarantee a win. He admitted that doubts over the car’s race pace persist, something that has affected Ferrari in recent years, and he remains realistic about the challenges this season. He sees McLaren as the strongest team and acknowledges Red Bull’s improvements at Monza. Despite this, he believes Baku remains one of the tracks on the calendar where Ferrari can still perform well.

The message from Charles Leclerc is clear: while there is potential to extend his pole streak, he is also preparing for races where he will need to fight hard. His connection with Baku remains strong, and he feels the circuit suits his driving style. He explained that the layout emphasizes precision braking, where even a small lock-up can be costly, making qualifying particularly thrilling. The adrenaline and focus required in these moments are aspects he truly enjoys.

Charles Leclerc also highlighted his comfort on street circuits in general, noting that Baku has additional characteristics that complement his driving. However, he admitted that despite his affinity for the track, victory has remained elusive, making a first Baku win his primary goal.

Over the years, Charles Leclerc has grown significantly both on and off the track. He has also been vocal about sprint races and reverse-grid discussions, expressing his belief that the current number of sprint events is sufficient and that Formula 1 should maintain its traditional format. At the same time, he is open to changes in power units, expressing a desire for more engine noise. He fondly recalls the thrilling sounds of V8 and V10 engines in circuits like Monaco and hopes future regulations might restore that intensity, which he considers a vital part of the sport’s appeal.

Turning to the 2026 Formula 1 season, Charles Leclerc’s perspective has shifted since his first simulator test three months ago, which he initially found unpromising. He now notes significant progress, with clear weekly improvements. While he recognizes the upcoming regulations will bring a steep learning curve, he views it as an exciting challenge. The Monegasque remains realistic, acknowledging that winning may not come immediately and that it could take several years to fully adapt. Nonetheless, he is optimistic and motivated to embrace the new generation of Formula 1 cars.