Italian GP: Lewis Hamilton hopeful Ferrari can fight for Monza win as team confirm engine upgrade for home race

The upgrade will be Ferrari's second on the power unit side this season after they were granted two development opportunities by the FIA.

Ferrari endured a disappointing Monza last year, finishing fourth and sixth, but hopes are higher for 2026 amid a more competitive season in which they remain in world title contention.

Speaking at a House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% event in central Milan in front of the Tifosi on Wednesday evening, Hamilton said: "It's always exciting in Monza. It's the fastest race we get to go to.

"Last year we didn't have the car to fight. I think this year we have the car to fight."

Hamilton shares the record of five Italian Grand Prix wins with Michael Schumacher but he finished only sixth on his Monza debut as a Ferrari driver last year amid a difficult first campaign in red.

The Briton won his first race for them at June's Spanish Grand Prix and now goes in search of a second at Ferrari's home track on a weekend that Mercedes' championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start at the back of the grid due to an engine penalty.

"Barcelona was amazing, the support from everybody," added Hamilton, who trails Antonelli by 59 points.

"But I hope this weekend we can fight for the win."

Hamilton and team-mate Charles Leclerc received a huge ovation from the fans attending the event in the Palazzo Reale, with the Briton saying: "It's amazing to be here. This is the second year and to see you all here is incredible.

"To see you all here is overwhelming. I love the Tifosi."

How much will engine upgrade boost Ferrari's chances?

Formula 1's new 2026 power unit regulations allow engine manufacturers to make upgrades if they are behind on internal combustion engine performance.

After the first Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) review earlier this year, Ferrari were deemed to be more than four per cent behind benchmark engine manufacturer Red Bull.

Ferrari introduced their first engine upgrade in June's Austrian Grand Prix and will have a second upgrade for their home race at Monza on both cars.

It means Hamilton and Leclerc will be on their fourth engine of the season, the last before incurring any grid penalties.

"On the performance side, we are introducing an updated power unit as part of the development opportunities available under ADUO," said Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur.

"It represents a step in the right direction and as we know this year is very much about marginal gains. Monza is a demanding circuit and the field is extremely close, and our priority will be to execute every aspect of the weekend as well as possible, from Friday onwards.

"We want to draw extra motivation from the passion of our home crowd and give our Tifosi a strong weekend."

Thursday September 3 1pm: Drivers' Press Conference 4pm: Paddock Uncut

Friday September 4 7.30am: F3 Practice 8.55am: F2 Practice 11am: Italian Grand Prix Practice One (session starts at 11.30pm)* 12.55pm: F3 Qualifying 1.50pm: F2 Qualifying 2.35pm: Italian Grand Prix Practice Two (session starts at 3pm) 4.15pm: The F1 Show 5.20pm: Team Bosses' Press Conference

Saturday September 5 8.25am: F3 Sprint 11.15am: Italian Grand Prix Practice Three (session starts at 11:30am) 1.10pm: F2 Sprint 2.15pm: Italian Grand Prix Qualifying build-up 3pm: ITALIAN GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING* 5pm: Ted's Qualifying Notebook

Sunday September 6 7.10am: F3 Feature Race 8.40am: F2 Feature Race 10.40am: Porsche Supercup Race 12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Italian GP build-up 2pm: THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX 4pm: Chequered Flag: Italian GP reaction 5pm: Ted's Notebook

Formula 1 heads to Monza for Ferrari's home race at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime