Lewis Hamilton entered the weekend at Monza with a renewed sense of optimism, believing that Ferrari's freshly introduced power‑unit upgrade could give him the tools needed to challenge for victory at their home race. The Italian Grand Prix, renowned for its blistering speeds and passionate Tifosi, will also see both Ferrari drivers receive the latest engine enhancements, marking the team's second power‑unit development of the 2026 season after the FIA granted them two additional development opportunities. Last year’s performance at Monza left Ferrari fans disappointed, with the Scuderia finishing only fourth and sixth despite the historic significance of the venue.
This season, however, the outlook appears brighter. Ferrari remains firmly in the hunt for the world championship, and the new upgrade is seen as a vital step toward narrowing the gap to their rivals, especially Red Bull, whose power unit has set the benchmark. During a promotional event for House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% in central Milan, Hamilton addressed a sea of Tifosi and expressed his excitement about the upcoming race.
"Monza is always special – it's the fastest circuit on the calendar and the atmosphere here is electric," he said. "Last year we didn't have the car to fight for the win, but this year the package looks much stronger. I feel we have a genuine shot at challenging for the top step of the podium." Hamilton shares the record for the most Italian Grand Prix victories with Michael Schumacher, each boasting five wins.
Yet his own debut at Monza as a Ferrari driver in 2023 ended only in sixth place, a result that reflected the struggles of his first season in the red car. Since then, the Briton secured his maiden victory for Ferrari at the Spanish Grand Prix in June, and now he aims to add a second win on home soil. The weekend will also feature a notable storyline involving Mercedes' rising star Kimi Antonelli, who will start from the back of the grid after receiving an engine penalty.
This development adds another layer of intrigue to a race that already promises close competition. Ferrari's engine upgrade comes as part of the new 2026 power‑unit regulations, which permit manufacturers to implement upgrades if they fall behind on internal‑combustion performance.
Earlier in the year, the FIA's Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) assessment determined that Ferrari's power unit lagged by more than four percent compared to Red Bull's, unlocking the right to make two upgrades during the season. The first of these was introduced at the Austrian Grand Prix in June, and the second is slated for Monza, meaning both Charles Leclerc and Hamilton will be running their fourth engine of the year—still within the allocation that avoids grid penalties. Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur explained the significance of the upgrade: "The updated power unit is a direct result of the development opportunities granted under ADUO. It's a step in the right direction, especially in a season where marginal gains are crucial.
Monza is a demanding circuit, and the field is incredibly close, so we need to execute flawlessly from Friday onward. Our aim is to draw extra motivation from the passion of our home crowd and deliver a strong performance for the Tifosi." Beyond the technical aspects, Hamilton highlighted his personal connection to the Italian fans.
After receiving a warm ovation alongside Leclerc at the Palazzo Reale, he remarked, "It's amazing to be here for the second year in a row. Seeing all of you in the stands is overwhelming – I love the Tifosi and the energy they bring." The event schedule is packed with support series and activities. Thursday, September 3, will host a drivers' press conference at 1 pm, followed by the Paddock Uncut at 4 pm.
Friday's program includes F3 and F2 practice sessions, the first Italian Grand Prix practice, and qualifying sessions for the junior categories, culminating in the F1 Show and a team bosses' press conference. Saturday features an F3 sprint, the third practice session for F1, F2 sprint, and the crucial Italian Grand Prix qualifying. Sunday wraps up with the F3 and F2 feature races, a Porsche Supercup race, and the main Grand Prix itself, with post‑race analysis and reactions.
For viewers, the race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available via NOW, offering a contract‑free experience. Fans are encouraged to use Chrome for the best video playback. In summary, Hamilton arrives at Monza hopeful that Ferrari's new engine upgrade will level the playing field and give him a realistic chance to add another Italian Grand Prix win to his record. With the team focused on extracting every ounce of performance and the passionate Tifosi providing an extra boost, the stage is set for a thrilling contest at one of Formula 1's most iconic venues.