Ferrari arrives at Monza with a targeted aerodynamic update to the SF-26, centered on a revised floor and diffuser that debuted in the Netherlands. The changes follow a split development plan, with the team prioritizing immediate gains while deferring a more extensive lateral floor revision to later in the season. The current package, estimated to deliver around 0.15 seconds per lap, builds on earlier floor evolutions that contributed to two wins in the three races after Barcelona.
Monza’s high-speed demands require a careful balance between power and aerodynamic efficiency, making Ferrari’s approach more nuanced than a simple wing reduction. The team will remove hanger flaps from the rear wing and reintroduce a single vertical floor element—previously used in Austria and Britain—while keeping the exhaust winglet (FTM) intact. The goal is to minimize drag without sacrificing critical downforce, leveraging the SF-26’s active aerodynamics and straight-line modes.
A potential power-unit upgrade, labeled ADUO 2, also looms for Monza. The new internal combustion engine specification is ready and could debut alongside the fourth ICE and turbocharger of the season, aligning with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton’s component usage. While no final decision has been made, Monza’s characteristics and Ferrari’s resource management make it a prime candidate for the introduction.
