Ferrari is turning up the volume for its homecoming at Monza, with the Scuderia confirming that a long-awaited power unit upgrade will make its competitive debut this weekend as it looks to reignite its challenge at the front.
After watching McLaren seize the initiative with consecutive victories in Hungary and the Netherlands, Ferrari heads to its home circuit having slipped behind the Woking squad and Mercedes in the recent pecking order.
But the mood in Maranello is suddenly more upbeat, with the team ready to deploy a second engine upgrade made possible under Formula 1’s ADUO framework.
The timing could hardly be more appropriate. Ferrari will race before its passionate tifosi while also paying tribute to Michael Schumacher with a special livery inspired by the car he drove during his first season with the team in 1996.
Team principal Fred Vasseur believes the atmosphere surrounding Ferrari’s home race can provide an additional spark – particularly with the Scuderia now armed with more performance under the engine cover.
"Monza is always a very special weekend for Ferrari," said the Frenchman.
"Racing in front of our tifosi gives the whole team incredible energy, and this year there will be an additional emotional dimension as we celebrate Michael Schumacher and the legacy he has left in our company.
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“His relentless pursuit of improvement, attention to detail and strong belief in teamwork are values that remain key to us today.
"On the performance side, we are introducing an updated power unit as part of the development opportunities available under ADUO. It represents a step in the right direction and, as we know. this year is very much about marginal gains."
The upgrade is reportedly worth around 15bhp, potentially giving Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton a welcome injection of straight-line performance at a circuit where power and low drag are paramount.
Ferrari’s move is particularly significant because the latest ADUO assessment continues to identify Red Bull’s internal combustion engine as the benchmark. Red Bull, however, is not permitted to respond with upgraded components, leaving its rivals an opportunity to claw back ground through their available development allowances.
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