Ferrari's Monza Push: New Floor, Low-Drag Tweaks, and a Fresh Engine

Ferrari's Zandvoort weekend marked the start of a new development phase for the SF-26, with a revised floor and diffuser debuting in the Netherlands. But the package was only part of a larger planned upgrade, and the team split its programme to bring forward the most mature elements. The lateral floor edge will follow later, likely between Baku and Austin.

Why it matters:

Ferrari arrives at Monza needing a home success to keep Lewis Hamilton's title hopes alive. The SF-26 has won twice since Barcelona, but results have cooled since Silverstone. Monza's long straights and low-drag demands make it a critical test of Ferrari's 2026 concept, especially against Mercedes- and Red Bull-powered cars.

The details:

• The Zandvoort floor is worth an estimated 0.15 seconds per lap, but it's a refinement, not a transformation.
• Monza aero approach: Instead of a bespoke low-downforce rear wing, Ferrari will remove hanger flaps and clean up bodywork. The front wing stays unchanged.
• Floor as drag reducer: A Monza-specific floor adaptation will bring back the single vertical element in the floor-board area, last seen through Miami. This follows a direction explored in Austria and Britain.
• FTM winglet stays: Ferrari considered removing the small winglet ahead of the exhaust for Monza, but ultimately kept it, preferring to find drag savings elsewhere.
• New engine ready: The ADUO 2 internal combustion engine is ready to race. Ferrari may introduce it at Monza, aligning with the fourth ICE and turbocharger for both Leclerc and Hamilton.

What's next:

A final decision on the engine hasn't been made, but Monza is a logical opportunity. If Ferrari introduces ADUO 2, it can maximize the upgraded unit over the season's closing stretch. The home crowd will expect a strong showing, and the technical package is designed to deliver exactly that.