Ferrari banks on Monza engine upgrade to revive 2026 title challenge
Ferrari targets a crucial Monza power-unit step
Ferrari will introduce its second 2026 engine upgrade at Monza as it intensifies efforts to put Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in contention for the Formula 1 driversâ title.
The Scuderia entered the new regulatory era behind Mercedes, but a series of updates for the SF-26 has allowed both drivers to move closer to the front. Ferrari nevertheless accepts that its engine remains a significant weakness in the fight with the Silver Arrows. The teamâs broader development direction has kept its title hopes alive, as outlined in Ferrariâs SF-26 development record, but the power unit is now the priority.
Ferrari brought its first engine upgrade of the season to Austria after the FIA ruled that its internal combustion engine was at least 4% worse than Red Bullâs design. That deficit also gives the team access to two engine upgrades. The second will arrive at its home race from September 4-6, rather than at the Dutch Grand Prix immediately after the summer break.
Modified turbocharger aims to address key weakness
The Monza package is expected to feature a modified turbocharger with more blades. Ferrari is changing the component because its smaller design no longer offers an advantage at race starts. The objective is straightforward: unlock additional power and reduce the gap to Mercedes.
Formula1.it reports that sources close to Ferrari also expect the revised power unit to improve efficiency and acceleration. Those areas have been identified as the âtrue Achilles heelâ of the engine and the SF-26 concept during the season so far. Monza therefore represents more than a home-race upgrade; it is Ferrariâs clearest attempt to correct the performance limitation that has repeatedly compromised its challenge.
Ferrari plans carefully for the rest of the season
Because the Monza specification will be the final ICE and turbo available to Hamilton and Leclerc this year, Ferrari is already planning how to avoid possible penalties if further power-unit elements are required later in the campaign.
The drivers will continue using the Austrian engine at Zandvoort, allowing Ferrari to spread the use of its components. The Scuderia also intends to return to an older-specification unit at Singaporeâs Marina Bay circuit in round 17, where less power is required, preserving the latest upgrade for races in which straight-line performance will be more important.
Hamilton enters the break 50 points behind Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli after 11 of 23 rounds. George Russell sits between Hamilton and Leclerc, while Leclerc is fourth, 81 points behind Antonelli. Monza could offer Ferrari an opportunity to close that gap, particularly if Antonelli receives an engine change that triggers a grid penalty after Mercedesâ reliability problems forced him beyond his seasonal quota for several power-unit elements.
Simone Scanu
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.