Ferrari is targeting the Italian Grand Prix at Monza for the debut of its ADUO-2 engine development, with Maranello working to complete a new power unit specification that could help address one of the SF-26’s main weaknesses: straight-line performance. Contrary to some recent suggestions, however, the upgraded engine is not expected to appear when Formula 1 returns from the summer break at Zandvoort.
Ferrari headed into the summer shutdown encouraged by a positive first half of the 2026 season, which included a return to winning ways and a solid second place in the Constructors’ Championship. The Scuderia therefore sees the glass as half full and remains determined to fight for important objectives, with further developments already being prepared for the championship’s restart.
That ambition is not entirely unrealistic. The last five race weekends have demonstrated that Mercedes can be beaten, contrary to some of the concerns that surrounded Ferrari at the beginning of the year. Lewis Hamilton’s victory in Barcelona changed the complexion of the Scuderia’s season, and the challenge to Toto Wolff’s team has since appeared considerably stronger.
Ferrari targets ADUO-2 engine upgrade for Monza
Ferrari does not intend to leave anything unexplored in its pursuit of Mercedes. For that reason, Maranello is aiming to debut an engine incorporating the developments produced through ADUO-2 in front of its home supporters at the Italian Grand Prix. The planned Monza engine upgrade is undergoing intensive preparation, with Enrico Gualtieri’s power unit department working hard to meet all of its targets before the new specification is approved for competition.
As has been reported for some time by several outlets and confirmed by our sources close to Ferrari, the evolved 067/6 is expected to feature a new turbocharger. The development could potentially allow Ferrari to recover part of the power deficit separating it from the strongest power units on the grid.
The change should also allow the power unit to maintain its output more effectively and deliver stronger performance towards the end of the straights. That area has represented a genuine Achilles’ heel for Ferrari’s 2026 car, making the development particularly significant ahead of Monza, where straight-line speed is especially important.
No ADUO-2 debut for Ferrari at Zandvoort
Ferrari is nevertheless planning the introduction carefully. Despite rumours suggesting otherwise, the ADUO-2 specification is not expected to debut at the Dutch Grand Prix. At Zandvoort, the SF-26 should continue to use the power unit equipped with ADUO-1, which first appeared in Austria.
The Dutch weekend will mark Formula 1’s return from the summer shutdown, with the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort preceding Ferrari’s home event at Monza. Maranello’s objective is to manage its available engine pool carefully rather than unnecessarily consuming mileage on its newest specifications.
Ferrari therefore intends to continue rotating the first two power units used during the season for free practice sessions across the remaining race weekends. By doing so, the team can maximise the lifespan of the evolved and more powerful units and preserve them for the moments when their additional performance is most valuable.
Ferrari could return to an older engine in Singapore
The same strategy could lead Ferrari to take a deliberate step backwards in specification at the Singapore Grand Prix. According to our sources close to the Scuderia, Ferrari could use an end-of-life power unit without the latest developments at Marina Bay, provided that its remaining mileage makes that option viable.
A similar approach was used in Hungary because of the characteristics of the Hungaroring, where power unit demands are relatively limited. Singapore could provide another opportunity to save mileage on Ferrari’s newer and higher-performing engines without sacrificing their potential at circuits where outright power matters more.
The objective is to preserve the freshest and strongest power units for the decisive final stretch of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Ferrari wants to avoid reaching the closing races with its engine pool stretched to the limit, a situation that could leave the team vulnerable just as the championship reaches its decisive phase.
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