Ferrari is facing a crucial decision this week ahead of the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, where it must assess whether to use the updated engines designed for its SF-26 race car. The team has received two upgrade tokens through the Additional Upgrade and Opportunities (ADUO) system, allowing it to modify its engine.
After manufacturing two updated units for drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, the team must decide whether these new versions will debut in competition. The final verdict will be made at the end of this week with the approval of the parts that will be sent to Monza.
Recently, the summer break complicated the situation for Ferrari, as the closure of the factory in Maranello extended the engine testing times. The new unit, numbered 067/6, must pass endurance tests and must complete at least six races on the test bench without reliability issues.
Although the engine department of Gestione Sportiva has 21 testing cells, cost limitations and the need to achieve competitive balance have reduced usage to only two or three dynamometers, slowing the process. Every time a reliability issue arises, approval processes must be halted and resumed from the beginning, which can complicate the situation.
If approval is achieved, Ferrari will install the ADUO2 in the SF-26s that will compete in Monza, where the cars are expected to have new commemorative decoration in honor of Michael Schumacher.
The new engine version is a six-cylinder unit that offers approximately 15 additional horsepower and a new power profile, which should reduce the performance delta compared to Mercedes. Additionally, the modifications include renewed Garrett turbines and a new design of the combustion chamber to optimize the new fuel approved by Shell.
Although Ferrari cannot guarantee a win in Monza, as the SF-26 does not fully suit the circuit characteristics, both hopes rest on Hamilton and Leclerc, who can closely compete with Mercedes during qualifying. Furthermore, local driver Kimi Antonelli will also face an engine penalty, starting the race at least from the twentieth position.
The Italian Grand Prix will be a key moment to establish the hierarchy of engines after the adjustments allowed by the ADUO system, on a track where it is challenging to charge hybrid batteries. According to the latest FIA engine assessment, Red Bull remains the benchmark in internal combustion engines, while Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, and Audi must catch up, receiving upgrade tokens for the 2026 and 2027 F1 seasons.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
