News summary
- Haas has received only one Ferrari ADUO2 power unit for the Italian GP, with Oliver Bearman getting the upgraded engine while Esteban Ocon continues with the previous specification.
- Ocon will nevertheless receive Haas’ new aerodynamic package, which was fitted to both VF-26 cars for Monza.
- The Ferrari engine upgrade is expected to bring a performance gain, but Monza’s emphasis on power and low drag makes the difference between the two power-unit specifications particularly relevant.
There is considerable anticipation surrounding Ferrari’s upgraded power unit at its home race, the Italian GP, this weekend. However, because the new specification only completed all of its validation tests a few days ago, production time has been extremely tight. Haas, for example, received only one upgraded power unit and had to decide which driver would get it. In the end, Oliver Bearman will run the new specification, while Esteban Ocon continues with the older version.
The Ferrari changes to the internal combustion engine and turbocharger are expected to deliver an increase of around 15 hp and were developed within the allowances of the ADUO system. Haas is also introducing a new aerodynamic package at Monza.
Ocon, however, will compete in Italy with only the aerodynamic side of the package updated. He confirmed that the ADUO2 engine will not be available for his car.
“I’m not going to have the full updated package. I mean, I have the car on the aero side. I will not have the ADUO2. We’ll have this one because we have only one. That’s the reason. So I’m going to be driving with the old engine. So that’s going to be quite some loss. But the updated car, I will have it. So we’ll see what we get,” Ocon said.
The Frenchman nevertheless sounded enthusiastic about the new aerodynamic package after testing it in Haas’ simulator earlier in the week.
“I’m excited to drive this new car. Obviously, we have the new aero package. I drove it in the simulator on Tuesday, and it felt better there. Of course, we need to translate it to the track. It’s not always a given that it will perform like that on track,” he continued.
“Everybody’s excited in the office and looking forward to see what this car can do. Obviously, it’s not the most technical circuit for it. So we are not going to see the full gain. We are more going to see that in Madrid,” Ocon explained.
“But it will still be interesting to see how the car feels in the Lesmos and Parabolica compared to before. So it is quite a big package and I’m looking forward to drive it,” he added.
The Italian GP takes place this weekend, from September 4 to 6, at Monza. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action from the Italian GP, the 13th round of the 2026 F1 season.
FAQ
1. Why does Esteban Ocon not have Ferrari’s upgraded engine at Monza?
Haas received only one Ferrari ADUO2 power unit for the Italian GP and chose to allocate it to Oliver Bearman. Ocon therefore continues with the previous specification.
2. Does Ocon have Haas’ new aerodynamic package?
Yes. The new aerodynamic package is being fitted to both Haas VF-26 cars, meaning Ocon will still benefit from the chassis updates despite retaining the older Ferrari power unit.
3. What is the Ferrari ADUO2 upgrade?
It is an updated Ferrari power unit developed within the additional development allowances of the ADUO regulations. The changes include revisions to the internal combustion engine and turbocharger and are expected to provide a performance gain.
