News summary
- Ferrari will introduce an upgraded power unit at Monza, with turbocharger and combustion chamber changes expected to deliver up to 15 hp.
- The SF-26 will also receive aerodynamic revisions, including changes to the Macarena wing and floor aimed at reducing drag.
- Ferrari will honor Michael Schumacher with a special livery during its home Italian GP weekend.
Ferrari arrives at this weekend’s Italian GP surrounded by high expectations. Alongside aerodynamic changes, team principal Frédéric Vasseur confirmed that the power unit will also be upgraded for the race at Monza. As a result, the Ferrari boss expects the team to take a step in the right direction in pursuit of a positive result at its home race.
The Italian GP is Ferrari’s most important event of the year, while the Monza circuit is known for its long straights and high-speed corners, which place significant demands on the power unit. With that in mind, the team decided to bring the latest upgrades permitted under ADUO (Additional Development and Update Opportunities) for this weekend. According to information published in August by Motorsport, changes to the turbocharger and combustion chamber are expected to provide a gain of up to 15 hp on track.
Alongside the engine upgrades, Ferrari has prepared a special livery to celebrate Michael Schumacher’s legacy with the team. Vasseur therefore believes the Italian GP will carry additional significance in 2026.
“Monza is always a very special weekend for Ferrari. Racing in front of our home crowd gives the entire team incredible energy, and this year there will be an added emotion as we celebrate Michael Schumacher and the legacy he left with the team. His relentless pursuit of improvement, attention to detail and strong belief in teamwork are values that remain fundamental to us today,” Vasseur said.
“In terms of performance, we are introducing an upgraded power unit as part of ADUO. This represents a step in the right direction. Monza is a demanding circuit and the field is extremely closely matched. Our priority will be to execute every aspect of the weekend as well as possible. We want to draw additional motivation from the passion of the local fans and deliver a high-level weekend for them,” the Ferrari boss concluded.
For the Italian GP weekend, Ferrari will also have a new fuel supplied by Shell and changes to the rear section of the car. The main change concerns the Macarena wing, which will receive a more aerodynamically efficient configuration. In addition, the exhaust outlet located underneath the car will feature an adjustable exhaust solution should Ferrari need to reduce drag even further because of Monza’s unique characteristics.
The English outlet The Race also reported that the team will have a section of the floor with a single vertical element, replacing the three-element configuration used previously. The change is designed to reduce drag and, consequently, increase speed along the straights.
Formula 1 returns this weekend, from September 4 to 6, at Monza. GRANDE PRÊMIO will follow all the action from the Italian GP, the 13th round of the 2026 season.
FAQ
1. How much power is Ferrari expecting from its upgraded engine at Monza?
Ferrari expects the updated power unit, developed under the ADUO framework, to provide up to 15 hp of additional power on track.
2. Why is Ferrari introducing specific upgrades for the Italian GP?
Monza is one of Formula 1’s fastest circuits, with long straights that place a strong emphasis on top speed and low aerodynamic drag. Ferrari has therefore tailored both its power unit and aerodynamic package to the circuit.
3. Why is Ferrari running a special livery at Monza?
Ferrari is honoring Michael Schumacher during the 2026 Italian GP as part of celebrations marking 30 years since the seven-time World Champion joined the Maranello team.
