Antonelli: Ferrari's new engine is a 'step forward' — but 'speed is the same!'

Kimi Antonelli believes Ferrari's new engine, which debuted during Italian Grand Prix practice at Monza, marks a genuine step forward for the Scuderia — but the Mercedes driver was quick to downplay any suggestion of a major pace shift.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's power unit development has been a key storyline heading into the latter part of the 2026 season. With the championship battle tightening, any meaningful gain from Maranello could shake up the competitive order. Antonelli's read on the new engine offers a valuable benchmark from a rival's perspective, especially with Mercedes and Ferrari locked in a close constructors' fight.

The details:

• Ferrari introduced the upgraded power unit at Monza, their home race, with both cars running it across Friday practice sessions.
• Antonelli, who has been monitoring Ferrari's progress closely, acknowledged the update: "They have taken a step forward."
• However, he was measured in his assessment, adding: "The speed is the same!" — suggesting the new engine hasn't delivered a dramatic performance leap.
• The Mercedes driver's comments point to Ferrari closing the gap rather than jumping ahead of the field.
• The timing of the debut — at Ferrari's home race in front of the tifosi — adds pressure for the upgrade to perform.

What's next:

Ferrari will be hoping the new engine delivers not just performance but reliability through the remaining races. If Antonelli's assessment is accurate, the Scuderia's gains may be incremental — but in a season this tight, even small steps can change the picture.