Lewis Hamilton entered the weekend at Monza with a sense of optimism, believing that Ferrari now possess a car capable of challenging for victory at their home Italian Grand Prix. The Italian round will also see the Scuderia roll out a fresh power‑unit upgrade for both of its drivers, marking the second such enhancement this season after the FIA granted them two development opportunities. Ferrari's performance at Monza last year left much to be desired, with the team finishing only fourth and sixth.
The disappointment was amplified by the fact that the Italian fans, the Tifosi, expect more from their beloved marque on its home turf. However, the outlook for 2026 is considerably brighter.
The new regulations and a more competitive championship landscape have placed Ferrari back in the conversation for the world title, and the team is eager to prove that they can translate that potential into results. During a promotional event for House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% held in central Milan, Hamilton addressed a sea of enthusiastic Tifosi. "Monza is always special – it’s the fastest circuit on the calendar and the atmosphere is electric," he said.
"Last year we didn’t have the machinery to fight for the win. This year, I feel we have a car that can contend." Hamilton’s record at the Italian Grand Prix is impressive; he shares the all‑time five‑win record with Michael Schumacher.
Yet his debut for Ferrari at Monza in 2023 resulted in a modest sixth‑place finish, reflecting the challenges of adapting to a new team and a car that struggled with performance. Since then, Hamilton secured his first victory for Ferrari at the Spanish Grand Prix in June, and he now hopes to add a second triumph on the home soil of the Scuderia. The weekend also features a storyline for Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who will start from the back of the grid after receiving an engine penalty.
This adds an extra layer of intrigue, as the championship leader seeks to capitalize on any opportunity to extend his points lead. Ferrari’s power‑unit upgrade is a direct result of the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) process introduced under the new 2026 regulations. The rules allow manufacturers who fall more than four percent behind the benchmark – in this case Red Bull’s power unit – to develop and install upgrades without incurring the usual grid‑penalty restrictions.
After an initial review earlier in the season, the FIA concluded that Ferrari’s engine lagged sufficiently to merit the first ADUO, which was implemented at the Austrian Grand Prix in June. The upcoming Monza upgrade represents the second ADUO opportunity, and it will be the final power‑unit change for the team this season before any further modifications would trigger penalties.
Team principal Frédéric Vasseur explained the significance of the upgrade: "We are introducing an updated power unit as part of the development opportunities available under ADUO. It is a step in the right direction, especially at a circuit like Monza where marginal gains can make a huge difference.
Our focus will be on flawless execution throughout the weekend, from Friday’s practice sessions to the race on Sunday. The passion of the Tifosi fuels us, and we want to give them a performance to be proud of." From a technical standpoint, the upgrade is expected to deliver improvements in both horsepower and thermal efficiency, addressing the shortfall that saw Ferrari lag behind Red Bull’s benchmark by over four percent.
By the time the cars line up on the grid, both Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc will be on their fourth engine of the season – the last one they can use without risking additional grid penalties. This adds a strategic element to the weekend, as the team must balance performance gains against reliability concerns.
Hamilton’s confidence was evident when he reflected on his recent victory in Barcelona: "Barcelona was amazing, the support from everybody was fantastic. I hope this weekend we can fight for the win." He also expressed genuine affection for the Italian fans, noting the overwhelming reception the duo received at the Palazzo Reale: "It’s amazing to be here for the second year in a row.
The Tifosi’s energy is overwhelming – I love the atmosphere." The event schedule is packed with action across the support series, offering fans a full weekend of racing. On Thursday, the drivers’ press conference will set the tone, followed by a paddock uncut session. Friday kicks off with Formula 3 practice, then moves to Formula 2, before the first Italian Grand Prix practice session begins at 11:30 am local time.
Qualifying sessions for F3 and F2 follow, culminating in the F1 Show and a team‑bosses press conference. Saturday’s program includes an F3 sprint, the third F1 practice session, an F2 sprint, and the build‑up to the main qualifying session, which will decide the starting grid for the race. The day ends with Ted’s Qualifying Notebook, a popular analysis segment.
Sunday is the climax: after the F3 and F2 feature races, the Porsche Supercup will take to the track, leading into the Grand Prix build‑up and finally the Italian Grand Prix itself at 2 pm. Post‑race coverage will feature a chequered‑flag reaction and Ted’s Notebook for a comprehensive recap. For viewers, the race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW – a flexible, contract‑free option.
Fans are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for the best video experience. In summary, the combination of a refreshed power unit, a motivated driver lineup, and the fervent support of the Tifosi creates a compelling narrative for Ferrari at Monza. Hamilton’s belief that the team now has the tools to fight for victory adds an extra layer of excitement, while the technical nuances of the ADUO upgrade underline the strategic depth of modern Formula 1. Whether the Scuderia can convert these advantages into a podium finish remains to be seen, but the stage is set for an unforgettable Italian Grand Prix.