Ferrari believes the fight is still alive and is preparing further SF-26 upgrades as soon as Formula 1 returns from the summer break, with Zandvoort and Monza emerging as the first two key targets. The Scuderia is expected to introduce a new floor in the Netherlands before attempting to bring its ADUO-2 power unit development to its home Grand Prix at Monza, as it continues its pursuit of Mercedes in the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.
The last five race weekends have shown Ferrari that Mercedes can be beaten, contrary to some of the concerns that emerged at the beginning of the championship. Lewis Hamilton’s victory in Barcelona changed the complexion of Ferrari’s season, and from that point the competition appeared considerably more intense, first in the statements made to the media and then, more importantly, on track.
Ferrari SF-26 upgrades begin with a new floor at Zandvoort
Ferrari intends to launch another attack on Mercedes immediately at Zandvoort. While the Brackley team is expected to introduce several components with a relatively limited impact, the SF-26 should receive a new floor, developed as an evolution of the specification that made its debut in Barcelona.
According to Autoracer, the new component will form the next stage of Ferrari’s aerodynamic development programme. The Barcelona floor provided an important foundation for the SF-26, and Ferrari has continued to develop the car progressively rather than relying exclusively on major upgrade packages. That approach will now continue at the first race after the summer break, with the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort becoming the first major test of Ferrari’s latest work.
The planned floor also fits into Ferrari’s broader philosophy for the second half of the championship. Instead of waiting for a single major transformation, Maranello has been following a race-by-race SF-26 development strategy, introducing improvements when they are ready and when circuit characteristics make them most useful.
Ferrari targets ADUO-2 power unit development for Monza
Ferrari’s plans are not limited to aerodynamics. The team has also identified the Italian Grand Prix at Monza as another major point in its development programme.
The original objective was to debut the ADUO-2 engine in front of Ferrari’s home supporters. Maranello still hopes to achieve that goal by installing a new turbocharger connected to the concession system available to power unit manufacturers that are behind their rivals.
The turbocharger upgrade should allow the Ferrari power unit to maintain its output more effectively and provide stronger performance towards the end of the straights. That could be particularly significant at Monza, where straight-line performance inevitably plays an important role. Ferrari has already been carrying out reliability work ahead of the planned Monza engine upgrade, adding further importance to the team’s home race.
Another major Ferrari package expected in the autumn
Ferrari’s development programme is not expected to end with Zandvoort and Monza. According to the same report, another important package is already being developed and should arrive during the autumn, most likely during the American section of the calendar.
That phase of the championship will feature four Grands Prix in five weeks, with Formula 1 travelling to Austin, Mexico City, Interlagos and Las Vegas. The demanding sequence could therefore provide another important opportunity for Ferrari to add performance during the decisive stages of the season.
For now, the floor and power unit represent the two main areas of focus at Maranello for the second half of the championship. Ferrari also knows that its rivals will not stand still. The technical battle has become increasingly important as the leading teams attempt to extract further performance within the restrictions of Formula 1’s budget cap.
McLaren and Mercedes follow different development strategies
McLaren has already announced that its Hungary package represented only the first step in a series of upgrades scheduled for the coming races. A substantial package is expected at Zandvoort as the Woking team continues to develop the MCL40 and tries to become competitive across a wider range of circuits.
Ferrari’s own Hungary performance also highlighted how closely technical development can influence the competitive order. The characteristics of the SF-26 and the factors behind its performance at the Hungaroring have already been examined in detail in our Ferrari SF-26 Hungary technical analysis.
Mercedes, meanwhile, could wait another few Grands Prix before introducing more significant developments. Toto Wolff’s recent comments have also suggested that there is no particular urgency at Brackley. Mercedes’ upgrades are expected to be strategic and carefully targeted, with the team aware that it spent less than some of its rivals during the first part of the championship and therefore has more resources available to use within the budget cap.
Ferrari’s challenge is therefore clear. The Scuderia will return from the summer break with another aerodynamic step planned for Zandvoort, followed by the hoped-for ADUO-2 development at Monza. With Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari all pursuing different technical strategies, the opening races of Formula 1’s second half could play an important role in determining whether Maranello can maintain the pressure in the 2026 championship fight.
Leave a Reply