Ferrari is set to introduce an upgraded power unit at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, taking advantage of the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system recently implemented in Formula 1®. This upgrade aims to address the performance gap that Ferrari has experienced compared to some of its rivals this season.
The ADUO system allows manufacturers who are assessed to be more than 4% behind the leading engine performance to receive additional development tokens each quarter. Ferrari qualified for this opportunity after being measured as over 4% slower than Red Bull’s power unit. As a result, the team was granted two upgrade tokens, which they are deploying at Monza. The update is expected to add around 15 brake horsepower to Ferrari’s power unit, effectively halving the power deficit to Mercedes, which remains the benchmark for the strongest complete power unit package.
While Ferrari’s chassis has been competitive or even superior to Mercedes’ in some respects, the lack of engine power has been a limiting factor throughout the season. Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur described the upgrade as a step forward, highlighting the importance of marginal gains in the highly competitive environment of Formula 1®. The team is also commemorating 30 years since Michael Schumacher’s debut with Ferrari by running a special livery at Monza, adding an emotional layer to their home Grand Prix weekend.
Ferrari is aiming to secure its first Italian Grand Prix win since Charles Leclerc’s victory in 2024. Although the power unit upgrade is a notable development, it is regarded as a marginal improvement rather than a transformative change. Mercedes continues to be seen as having the strongest power unit overall, despite the ADUO results. The upgrade reflects Ferrari’s ongoing effort to reduce the gap in engine performance while leveraging their competitive chassis package.
Vasseur also emphasized the significance of racing at Monza in front of Ferrari’s passionate home fans and the importance of celebrating Schumacher’s legacy. This context adds a layer of motivation for the team as they introduce the upgrade. The performance gains from the update are expected to contribute to a more competitive showing, although the overall impact on the championship or race outcomes remains to be observed.
In summary, Ferrari’s engine upgrade at the Italian Grand Prix is part of the team’s strategy to improve performance under the ADUO system. The estimated 15bhp increase aims to narrow the power gap, particularly to Mercedes, while the team continues to build on its strong chassis foundation. The upgrade and the commemorative livery together mark a meaningful moment for Ferrari during the Monza weekend.