Ferrari F1 Takes Major Gamble With Final Power Unit Upgrade at Italian GP

Scuderia Ferrari is not just bringing the special livery dedicated to Michael Schumacher, but its second upgraded power unit under the ADUO finding.

As per the FIA published figures , Ferrari are allowed to two Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) in 2026 after it was found to be over 4% down on power and performance when compared to the best F1 power unit on the grid, that happens to be Red Bull Ford.

They fall in the same club as Audi and Honda to be allowed for two updates, with Mercedes allowed only one. Ferrari brought its first push in Austria and has confirmed the second and final of F1 2026 in this weekend's Italian GP at Monza, where power is crucial element.

Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have stressed on the power deficit on Ferrari side. They are happy with the work done on the chassis side, which has helped them to be second in the F1 constructors' championship. The team is taking a gamble by deploying its update so soon.

There are still plenty of races to go in F1 2026. But they seem to be confident about their step. This also clears the way for larger development focus in 2027. Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur stressed on marginal gains and this is what they expect to secure in Monza, that they can carry forward.

Vasseur on Ferrari F1 step in Italian GP

"Monza is always a very special weekend for Ferrari. Racing in front of our tifosi gives the whole team incredible energy and this year there will be an additional emotional dimension as we celebrate Michael Schumacher and the legacy he has left in our company," said Vasseur in the preview.

"His relentless pursuit of improvement, attention to detail and strong belief in teamwork are values that remain key to us today. On the performance side, we are introducing an updated power unit as part of the development opportunities available under ADUO. 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," summed up Vasseur.