Lewis Hamilton entered the weekend at Monza with a sense of optimism, believing that Ferrari's latest engine upgrade could give the team the tools needed to challenge for victory on their home turf. The Italian Grand Prix, famed for being the fastest circuit on the calendar, will see both Ferrari drivers receive a new power‑unit package, marking the second such upgrade for the Scuderia this season after the FIA granted them two additional development opportunities.
Last year’s performance at Monza was a disappointment for Ferrari, with the cars finishing only fourth and sixth. This year, however, the stakes feel higher. The 2026 season has turned into a tightly contested championship, and Ferrari remains firmly in the mix for the world title. Hamilton, who shares the record of five Italian Grand Prix wins with Michael Schumacher, voiced his enthusiasm at a House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% event in central Milan, speaking directly to the passionate Tifosi.
"Monza is always special – it’s the quickest race we get to compete in," he said. "Last year we didn’t have the car to fight.
This year I think we have a machine that can contend for the win." Hamilton’s own history at the track adds another layer to the narrative. On his debut for Ferrari at the 2023 Italian Grand Prix, he managed only a sixth‑place finish, a result that reflected the challenges of his first season in the red suit. He later secured his first victory for Ferrari at the Spanish Grand Prix in June, and now he is eager to add a second win at the sport’s most iconic circuit.
Meanwhile, Mercedes’ championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start the race from the back of the grid after incurring an engine penalty, potentially opening up further opportunities for the front‑runners. The upgrade itself is a product of the new 2026 power‑unit regulations, which allow manufacturers to introduce enhancements if they fall behind the benchmark set by the leading engine supplier – in this case, Red Bull. After an earlier review of the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) process, the FIA determined that Ferrari was more than four percent off the performance target, unlocking the right to implement a second upgrade. The first upgrade was rolled out at the Austrian Grand Prix in June, and the Monza package will be the final one the team can use this season without attracting grid‑penalty repercussions.
Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur explained the significance of the new unit: "We are introducing an updated power unit as part of the ADUO development opportunities. It is a step in the right direction, especially in a year where marginal gains are crucial. Monza is a demanding circuit and the competition is extremely close, so our priority is to execute every aspect of the weekend perfectly, from Friday onward. We also want to draw extra motivation from the passion of our home crowd and give the Tifosi a strong weekend." For Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc, the upgrade means they will be on their fourth engine of the season – the last one they can use before any further changes would trigger a penalty.
Both drivers received a thunderous ovation from the fans gathered at the Palazzo Reale, with Hamilton describing the experience as "overwhelming" and expressing his love for the Tifosi. "It’s amazing to be here for the second year in a row and see you all out in such numbers," he said. "The support is incredible and it fuels our desire to fight for a win this weekend." The weekend schedule is packed with support races and practice sessions, starting with a drivers' press conference on Thursday, September 3, followed by a series of Formula 2 and Formula 3 practice and qualifying sessions. Friday will host the first two practice runs for the Grand Prix, along with the F3 and F2 qualifying.
Saturday features the F3 sprint, the third practice session for F1, the F2 sprint, and finally the crucial qualifying session that will set the grid for the race. Sunday’s program includes the F3 and F2 feature races, a Porsche Supercup race, and the main event – the Italian Grand Prix – with post‑race analysis and reactions throughout the afternoon. The broader context of the 2026 season cannot be ignored.
With new hybrid regulations and a shift toward greater sustainability, manufacturers are navigating a complex technical landscape. Ferrari’s ability to extract performance from its internal combustion engine component while integrating the latest hybrid systems will be a key factor in determining whether they can keep pace with Red Bull and Mercedes. The Monza upgrade is therefore not just a one‑off boost; it represents Ferrari’s ongoing effort to close the gap and remain competitive in a championship that rewards consistency and innovation. Hamilton, who currently trails the championship leader by 59 points, sees the Italian Grand Prix as a potential turning point.
"Barcelona was amazing, the support from everybody," he reflected, recalling his recent success in Spain. "But I hope this weekend we can fight for a win." His confidence is shared by many analysts who note that Ferrari’s upgraded power unit should improve straight‑line speed – a critical advantage at the high‑speed Monza circuit, where top‑end power often decides the outcome. In summary, the combination of Hamilton’s renewed optimism, Ferrari’s second power‑unit upgrade of the season, and the fervent support of the Tifosi creates a compelling storyline for the Italian Grand Prix.
If the new engine delivers the expected performance gains, Ferrari could finally translate its championship ambitions into tangible results on the track, potentially reshaping the battle for the 2026 title as the season heads into its decisive phase.