Four key Monza zones could reveal how much Ferrari has really gained with ADUO 2

Ferrari is heading into the 2026 Italian Grand Prix with one of its most important power-unit tests of the season, as the FIA has confirmed four straight-mode activation zones around Monza and the Scuderia prepares for the expected debut of its ADUO 2 upgrade. On a circuit dominated by long full-throttle sections and heavy braking, any remaining difference in engine performance or energy management could become particularly visible.

Monza has always placed a premium on outright speed, but the four designated zones will make the comparison between the leading power units even more significant. Ferrari arrives knowing that Mercedes and Red Bull represent the main benchmarks in this area, while the new ADUO 2 specification is expected to offer the Maranello team another opportunity to reduce the deficit. The upgrade forms part of Ferrari’s wider ADUO 2 plan for the Italian Grand Prix.

Ferrari Monza power test shaped by four FIA straight-mode zones

The FIA has officially identified four locations around the Monza lap where straight mode can be activated. The first covers the main straight, immediately placing a premium on acceleration and maximum-speed performance at one of the most important overtaking areas on the circuit.

The second zone runs from Curva 3, the Biassono Curve, towards Curva 4 at the beginning of Variante della Roggia. The third starts after Curva 7, the second Lesmo, and continues towards the opening of Curva 8 at Variante Ascari.

The fourth and final zone begins on the exit of Variante Ascari and extends towards Curva 11, the Parabolica. Together, the four sections cover several of Monza’s most important acceleration phases and long high-speed runs.

That configuration means teams will have repeated opportunities to exploit their power-unit performance throughout the lap. Differences in how effectively each car manages and delivers power can influence not only outright lap time but also how strongly drivers can attack or defend during the race.

Why Monza will provide a clear power-unit benchmark

Unlike circuits where aerodynamic efficiency, slow-corner traction or tyre behaviour can disguise part of an engine deficit, Monza places greater emphasis on sustained speed. Its layout therefore creates a useful benchmark for comparing the different power units under conditions in which engine output has an increased influence on performance.

Mercedes and Red Bull arrive as the principal references, while Ferrari is attempting to move closer. The FIA’s recent ADUO rankings have already provided another indication of the competitive picture, with Ferrari shown more than four per cent behind Red Bull in the ADUO classification.

At Monza, however, the decisive measure will come on track. The SF-26 will need to remain competitive through the long full-throttle sections while converting Ferrari’s recent power-unit work into tangible performance.

ADUO 2 debut adds extra significance for Ferrari at Monza

The expected introduction of ADUO 2 makes the home race particularly important for the Prancing Horse. Ferrari has been working on the next evolution of its power unit with Monza identified as the key target, and the Italian Grand Prix should provide the clearest indication yet of whether those developments have reduced the performance gap to its rivals.

Ferrari has also been preparing a broader power step for the weekend, with previous work pointing towards a significant increase in performance for the SF-26. That development has been detailed further in ScuderiaFans’ coverage of Ferrari’s planned Monza power boost following the Zandvoort upgrade package.

The challenge is straightforward: Monza offers Ferrari very little room to disguise any weakness on the straights. If ADUO 2 delivers the progress expected from it, the gains should become visible in precisely the areas where the SF-26 has the greatest need for improved power delivery and efficiency.

Conversely, if Mercedes and Red Bull retain a clear advantage through the designated zones, the Italian Grand Prix will underline how much work remains. With four FIA straight-mode sections spread around one of Formula 1’s most power-sensitive circuits, Monza will act as a revealing test of Ferrari’s latest technical progress.