Ferrari is preparing to debut its evolved ADUO-2 power unit at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix in Monza, but the Scuderia could deliberately take a step backwards soon afterwards. The plan under consideration would see the new specification introduced in front of the Tifosi before an older, non-upgraded engine potentially returns in Singapore as Ferrari carefully manages its power unit allocation for the final part of the season.
The Maranello team entered the summer break with reasons for optimism after a positive first part of the championship, highlighted by its return to winning ways and a solid second place in the Constructors’ standings. Ferrari has therefore maintained confidence that it can fight for important objectives, backing that ambition with further development work such as the SF-26 upgrade package introduced at Zandvoort following the summer break.
The prospect of challenging at the front is not yet guaranteed, but neither does it appear unrealistic. Race weekends have shown that Mercedes can be beaten, contrary to some of the concerns from the beginning of the year. Lewis Hamilton’s victory in Barcelona and Charles Leclerc’s win in Great Britain changed the complexion of Ferrari’s season, while McLaren’s resurgence has added another factor to the battle with Mercedes.
Ferrari targets Monza debut for ADUO-2 engine
Ferrari’s objective is therefore to put Toto Wolff’s Mercedes under increasing pressure. To help achieve that, Maranello is targeting the home Italian Grand Prix for the debut of the evolved ADUO-2 engine, bringing the latest specification to Monza in front of Ferrari’s home supporters.
Enrico Gualtieri’s power unit department has worked intensively on the project and reached its targets ahead of the final approval of an engine that is expected to feature one major change. The development forms part of Ferrari’s wider push to improve the SF-26, with the team already preparing a significant power unit development for the Monza weekend.
New turbocharger could deliver up to 10 hp
As has been reported for some time and confirmed by our sources close to the Scuderia, the evolved 067/6 is expected to feature a new turbocharger assembly. The change could allow Ferrari to recover part of the power deficit separating it from the strongest power units on the grid, with the most optimistic estimates suggesting a gain of around 10 horsepower.
The new component should also help the power unit maintain its output more effectively and provide stronger performance further along the straights. Several smaller components have also been revised as part of the evolution.
Ferrari plans careful power unit rotation after Monza
The Monza debut has been carefully evaluated at Maranello. Despite some rumours suggesting otherwise, the upgraded unit is set to arrive in Italy, where Ferrari will homologate the fourth power unit of the season on the SF-26.
The first three engines used during the year will remain in rotation and are expected to be used during free practice sessions at different race weekends. The intention is to maximise the lifespan of the evolved and more powerful units.
This careful rotation explains why Ferrari is already prepared to take a step backwards at the Singapore Grand Prix, according to our sources close to the team. The Marina Bay race comes later on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, giving Maranello another opportunity to manage mileage across its available power units.
Why Ferrari could use an older engine in Singapore
If the remaining usable mileage allows it, Ferrari intends to follow an approach similar to the one adopted in Hungary. Because Singapore is relatively undemanding from a power unit perspective, Frédéric Vasseur’s team could use a well-worn engine that does not feature the latest improvements.
Doing so would allow Ferrari to preserve its fresher power units for the decisive final stretch of the championship. The objective is to avoid reaching the closing races with very little flexibility left in the component rotation, a situation that some of Ferrari’s rivals are already having to manage.
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