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Ferrari will introduce its ADUO-permitted engine upgrade at the Italian Grand Prix, combining the new power unit with aerodynamic revisions and track-specific parts for its home race.
The decision follows reliability checks and confirmation that Ferrari is more than 4% behind the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities benchmark. That deficit allows the Italian squad to use two upgrades during the season, and the team has opted to deploy its first immediately at Monza.
Ferrari engineers, led by Enrico Gualtieri, have approved the 067/7 power unit after repeated bench tests confirmed it had reached the required reliability threshold. The engine features a revised combustion chamber and turbocharger, with a projected gain of 15 horsepower. Ferrari expects that increase to halve its deficit to Mercedes, whose power unit is regarded as the strongest all-round package in the source material.
A performance improvement is also expected from new fuel developed by Shell. Ferrari is targeting not only greater peak power at Monza, but also a revised torque delivery to improve the distribution of electrical energy.
The timing of the upgrade is significant. Ferrari’s ADUO timing could reshape the 2027 engine development race, but the immediate priority is to deliver a stronger result in front of its home crowd.
The Scuderia will also run a more aerodynamically efficient version of its Macarena rear wing, which has not been used at previous events. The blown exhaust will return as well, although Ferrari may adjust it if further drag reduction is required at Monza.
The team is also preparing a livery celebrating Michael Schumacher’s success with Ferrari. The tribute will add another layer to a weekend the Scuderia has identified as a potential launch point for its title challenge.
Ferrari has failed to reach the podium in the last two rounds and was outscored by McLaren in both races. It now sits 87 points behind Mercedes in the constructors’ championship, increasing the pressure to convert its technical package into points.
Mercedes has confirmed that Kimi Antonelli will start from the back of the grid after taking a full power-unit change, following reliability problems that have pushed him beyond his permitted allocation. George Russell is not expected to receive a penalty, with Baku considered a possible venue because of its similar track characteristics to Monza.
Ferrari’s recent record at its home race offers little comfort: it has won only three of the last 19 Italian Grands Prix. The new engine, revised aerodynamics and Mercedes’ grid penalty nevertheless give the team a clear opportunity to strike back.
He’s 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.