Lewis Hamilton entered the weekend at Monza with a sense of optimism, believing that Ferrari’s newly introduced power‑unit upgrade could give them the tools to challenge for victory on their home soil. The Italian Grand Prix, famed for being the fastest circuit on the calendar, will see both Ferrari drivers receive an updated engine package – the second such upgrade to the power unit this season after the FIA granted the team two additional development opportunities. Ferrari’s performance at Monza last year left much to be desired, with the Scuderia finishing only fourth and sixth despite the historic significance of the race for the Italian fans. This season, however, the team is aiming higher.
The new regulations for 2026 allow manufacturers to introduce upgrades if they fall behind the benchmark set by the leading power‑unit supplier, and an earlier assessment placed Ferrari more than four per cent off the pace of Red Bull’s engine. Consequently, the team rolled out its first upgrade at the Austrian Grand Prix in June and now plans a second, more refined iteration for the home race. Speaking at a House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% event in central Milan, Hamilton addressed a sea of Tifosi and expressed his excitement: "Monza is always special – it’s the fastest race we get to go to.
Last year we didn’t have the car to fight, but this year the package feels much more competitive." The British driver, who shares the record of five Italian Grand Prix victories with Michael Schumacher, reflected on his own debut at Monza last season, where he managed only a sixth‑place finish amid a challenging first year in the red car. Hamilton’s confidence is bolstered by his recent success in Spain, where he claimed his first win for Ferrari at the Barcelona Grand Prix. He now hopes to add a second triumph on the home turf of his team’s passionate supporters. The weekend will also feature a notable storyline for Mercedes, as their championship‑leading driver Kimi Antonelli is set to start from the back of the grid after receiving an engine penalty, adding another layer of intrigue to the race weekend.
Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur explained the technical rationale behind the upgrade: "The updated power unit is part of the development opportunities provided under the ADUO framework. It represents a step in the right direction, especially at a circuit like Monza where marginal gains are crucial.
Our priority is to execute every aspect of the weekend flawlessly, from Friday practice through to the race, and to draw extra motivation from the passion of our home crowd." The upgrade means that both Charles Leclerc and Hamilton will be running their fourth engine of the season, the final one they can use before any further changes would trigger grid penalties. Beyond the technical aspects, the atmosphere in Milan is electric.
Hamilton and Leclerc were greeted with a massive ovation from fans gathered at the Palazzo Reale, and Hamilton remarked, "It’s amazing to be here for a second year. The support from the Tifosi is overwhelming – I love this crowd." He added that the energy from the fans could be a decisive factor in extracting the maximum performance from the newly upgraded machinery. The schedule for the Italian Grand Prix weekend is packed with support series and media events. Thursday, September 3, will feature a drivers' press conference at 1 p.m., followed by an uncut paddock interview at 4 p.m.
Friday’s program includes Formula 3 and Formula 2 practice sessions, the first F1 practice at 11 a.m., and qualifying sessions for the junior categories, culminating in the F1 team bosses’ press conference at 5 p.m. Saturday brings the F3 sprint, the final F1 practice, the F2 sprint, and the crucial F1 qualifying session at 3 p.m., while Sunday’s itinerary includes the F3 and F2 feature races, the Porsche Supercup, and the main event – the Italian Grand Prix – starting at 2 p.m., with post‑race analysis and reaction shows later in the afternoon.
The broader context of the season cannot be ignored. With the new 2026 power‑unit regulations emphasizing hybrid efficiency and internal‑combustion performance, teams are under pressure to extract every ounce of power while staying within the allocated development windows. Ferrari’s ability to secure two ADUO slots this year reflects both the regulatory flexibility and the competitive gap they need to close.
Their first upgrade in Austria showed promising improvements in straight‑line speed, and the Monza upgrade is expected to further enhance top‑end performance, crucial for a circuit dominated by long straights and high‑speed corners. For Hamilton, the stakes are personal as well as professional. He trails the championship leader by 59 points, and a victory at Monza could provide a significant morale boost for both driver and team.
While the Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli will be dealing with a grid drop, Hamilton sees the race as an opportunity to showcase the progress Ferrari has made: "Barcelona was amazing, the support from everybody was incredible. I hope this weekend we can fight for a win." His words underline the dual focus on technical advancement and the emotional connection with the fans. In summary, the Italian Grand Prix promises to be a pivotal moment for Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton. The combination of a newly upgraded power unit, a motivated driver lineup, and the fervent support of the Tifosi creates a compelling narrative.
If the engine upgrade delivers the expected performance gains, Ferrari could finally convert their long‑standing ambition of winning at home into reality, while Hamilton aims to add another iconic victory to his illustrious career. The race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available through NOW for viewers who prefer an online experience.