Ferrari is targeting the Italian Grand Prix at Monza for the debut of its more significant ADUO-2 power unit upgrade, according to a report by Giuliano Duchessa in Corriere della Sera. The planned step could become a crucial part of Maranello’s attempt to reduce Mercedes’ engine advantage and keep alive a 2026 Formula 1 title challenge that has unexpectedly regained momentum after two Ferrari victories in the last three races.
The proposed timetable is ambitious rather than guaranteed. Monza represents Ferrari’s most optimistic target, and the updated power unit will only be introduced there if the forthcoming tests proceed without complications, particularly in terms of reliability.
Ferrari’s 2026 title challenge remains partly open
Mercedes celebrated victory in each of the first six races of the season, appearing to establish firm control over the championship. Ferrari then managed, somewhat unexpectedly, to fight back. The Maranello team arrived at Spa-Francorchamps having won two of the previous three Grands Prix, a revival that has at least created the possibility of putting pressure on the Silver Arrows in the battle for the world titles.
Kimi Antonelli and George Russell remain the clear favourites in the championship fight, and Mercedes still holds the stronger overall position. However, the reliability problems that have affected both W17s on several occasions have left a small opening for the unpredictable. Ferrari’s recent form has therefore given greater relevance to Fred Vasseur’s cautious approach to Ferrari’s title ambitions and to every technical development still available during the season.
Ferrari’s power unit remains its main weakness against Mercedes
Ferrari’s principal disadvantage compared with Mercedes is well known: power unit performance. Under the controversial and widely debated ADUO system, Ferrari can introduce a maximum of two power unit updates this year as it attempts to close the gap to the engines produced at Brixworth.
The first update was introduced during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend and was considered a relatively minor step. According to estimates circulating in the paddock, it delivered no more than an additional five or six horsepower from the internal combustion engine to the Ferrari SF-26.
That limited gain explains why attention has already shifted towards ADUO-2. Ferrari management had made it reasonably clear that the more substantial step would arrive with the second version, while the wider power unit and energy-management challenge has remained a central theme of the 2026 season. A recent analysis of the SF-26 power unit data has also highlighted how engine performance must be assessed alongside energy deployment and the car’s overall efficiency.
Ferrari targets Monza for the ADUO-2 upgrade
There is now an estimated date for the arrival of that more important update. According to Giuliano Duchessa’s report for the Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera, Ferrari intends to introduce the new power unit at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix.
The target is far from certain. It is described as the most optimistic scenario and will depend on everything running smoothly during the tests still to be completed. Reliability will be one of the decisive factors, meaning Ferrari cannot afford to rush the specification simply to meet the Monza deadline.
If the programme stays on schedule, the ADUO-2 debut would become one of the most important elements of Ferrari’s broader 2026 development strategy. It would also arrive at a significant point in the championship, as Maranello tries to turn its recent recovery into sustained pressure on Mercedes.
Mercedes could also receive an ADUO opportunity
The ADUO situation may produce another surprising consequence. Mercedes could also benefit from a development allowance because, according to the FIA analysis referenced in the report, Red Bull currently appears to have the strongest internal combustion engine.
However, the team led by Toto Wolff reportedly intends to use its development token entirely with 2027 in mind. Mercedes would therefore give up the opportunity to increase the performance of its power unit this season. According to the logic outlined in the source, that approach would also keep Red Bull “locked” at the top of the relevant performance ranking, preventing the team from using an update token of its own.
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