Ferrari will introduce a Formula 1 power unit upgrade at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix after receiving permission under the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system.
Introduced this season, ADUO gives engine manufacturers extra opportunities to improve their power units if they are judged to be behind their rivals. Performance assessments are conducted every quarter of the season.
Red Bull was controversially named Formula 1’s benchmark manufacturer. With Ferrari considered to be more than 4% behind on power, the Italian team has been granted two upgrade tokens.
Ferrari will use its first token at Monza, as previously reported by Motorsport.com and now confirmed by the team. The Scuderia will also bring rear-wing updates for the low-downforce circuit.
“We are introducing an updated power unit as part of the development opportunities available under ADUO,” said team boss Fred 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. 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.”
It is understood that the Ferrari engine upgrade will deliver an additional 15bhp, halving the deficit to the Mercedes power unit. Mercedes is believed to have the strongest overall package despite the ADUO assessment results.
The power deficit has held Ferrari back in 2026, despite its chassis being comparable to, or potentially better than, that of the championship-leading Mercedes team. Mercedes currently leads Ferrari by 87 points.
Ferrari to honour Michael Schumacher at Monza
Ferrari will also run a Michael Schumacher-inspired livery at the Italian Grand Prix, marking 30 years since the seven-time world champion made his debut with the team, where he went on to win five titles.
“Monza is always a very special weekend for Ferrari,” added Vasseur, whose team is seeking its first Italian Grand Prix victory since Charles Leclerc won in 2024.
“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.
“His relentless pursuit of improvement, attention to detail and strong belief in teamwork are values that remain key to us today.”
