– Ferrari was granted two upgrade options for its Formula 1 power unit as part of the first ADUO result. Now the revised engine could make its race debut already next weekend in Monza.
Read more Max Verstappen races karts against 100 drivers — with a difficult task
After the two updated engines for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have been assembled, the Scuderia must now decide whether the new power units will be used at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix. The final decision will be made at the end of this week, as soon as the parts intended for Monza are released.
This procedure may seem anachronistic, but it is simply an expression of a reality complicated by the current regulations. The mandatory summer break, for example, did not play into the team’s hands, as the closure of the Maranello factory extended the testing phase for the new engine, designated 067/6.
Before an engine can be used on a race weekend, it must pass an endurance test: a unit must complete at least six Grands Prix on the test bench without reliability problems occurring.
Photo gallery: Mid-term reports: The best Formula 1 drivers for the summer break
Ferrari’s engine department reportedly has 21 cells with state-of-the-art test benches. However, cost reasons and the pursuit of equal opportunities dictate that only two or three test benches may be used under strict time limits, which extends the timeframe.
If a reliability problem occurs and a small change needs to be made, the approval process stops and the entire procedure must start from scratch. It is a meticulous job – even a single grain of sand can cripple a cog in the gearbox that should actually run smoothly.
Ferrari is therefore waiting for the green light to install the ADUO2 engine in Hamilton’s and Leclerc’s SF-26s, with which they will start in Monza. The cars will also feature a special anniversary livery to commemorate Michael Schumacher’s era in Maranello.
Read more Ai Ogura injured: Trackhouse nominates replacement for Aragon weekend
What’s new with the Ferrari engine
The revised six-cylinder engine is expected to deliver around 15 hp more and have a modified power delivery. This is intended to reduce the gap to Mercedes while improving the charging phase of the hybrid system.
For this purpose, not only were the Garrett turbochargers adapted, but the combustion chamber was also modified to better utilize the new fuel that Shell has approved for Monza. The increase in performance results from the interaction of the more calorific fuel with the further developed internal combustion engine.
Why ADUO divides the Formula 1 world
To be fair, the Scuderia is not traveling to Monza with the primary goal of securing victory: the characteristics of the Temple of Speed do not optimally suit the SF-26 on paper. The hope, however, is that Hamilton and Leclerc can be very close to the Mercedes in qualifying, which are considered the big favorites.
Also of note: local hero Kimi Antonelli will receive an engine penalty at his home Grand Prix and must start the race from at least 20th position. The Italian GP, on a track where electric charging is extremely difficult, will be a decisive event to redefine the engine hierarchy after the adjustments granted by the ADUO regulation.
The FIA has released the updated ranking after Zandvoort, in which Red Bull continues to set the standard.
Read more Alexander Albon: Why blue flags can destroy a race
