Ferrari will introduce its ADUO-permitted engine upgrade at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix, alongside aerodynamic improvements and Monza-specific components for its home race.
After reliability checks confirmed Ferrari was more than 4% behind the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) benchmark, the team was granted permission to use two engine upgrades during the season. Ferrari has now chosen to deploy its first power unit update immediately.
Ferrari engine upgrade targets Mercedes deficit
Ferrari’s engineers, led by Enrico Gualtieri, have approved a new power unit featuring a revised combustion chamber and turbocharger. The upgrade is expected to deliver an additional 15 horsepower, potentially halving Ferrari’s performance deficit to Mercedes’ engine, regarded as the strongest all-round package.
Ferrari is also set to benefit from new fuel developed by Shell. The 067/7 engine, permitted under the ADUO regulations, has passed the required reliability threshold in repeated bench tests.
The team is therefore targeting a strong result in front of its home crowd at Monza. Engineers are focusing on maximizing peak power and adjusting torque delivery to improve the distribution of electrical energy.
Ferrari prepares Monza aerodynamic updates
Ferrari will also introduce a more aerodynamically efficient version of its Macarena rear wing, which has not been used at previous events. The team will retain the blown exhaust, although it could be modified if further drag reduction is required at Monza.
The Scuderia will run a special livery celebrating Michael Schumacher’s success with Ferrari. The Italian team sees the Italian Grand Prix as an opportunity to restart its title challenge after failing to reach the podium in the last two rounds.
Ferrari has received an additional boost from Mercedes, which has confirmed that Kimi Antonelli will start from the back of the grid after taking a full power unit change. Reliability problems earlier in the season have already pushed the Italian driver beyond his permitted engine allocation.
Antonelli’s Mercedes team-mate, George Russell, is not currently expected to receive a penalty. Baku is considered a possible venue for a power unit change because of its similar track characteristics to Monza, allowing Mercedes to place one driver at the front while attempting to disrupt Ferrari’s challenge.
Monza has not been a strong venue for Ferrari in recent years. The team has won only three of the last 19 Italian Grands Prix, but it knows it must respond after being outscored by McLaren in the previous two rounds and falling 87 points behind Mercedes in the Formula 1 world constructors’ championship.
Source: www.motorsport.com
