The Italian GP in Monza promises to be one of the most important stages of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The race, which takes place in September, could mark the arrival of updates to the Mercedes and Ferrari engines, with the potential to change the championship battle.
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Leader of the Drivers’ World Championship with Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes is experiencing a good moment but faces reliability issues. The team has already recorded three damaged batteries, one engine failure, and energy management problems throughout the year. Antonelli and George Russell have also reached the limit of four power units allowed in the season. If a new change is necessary, the drivers will receive a 20-place grid penalty.
Therefore, the German team is considering bringing an evolution of the M17 E Performance engine, with improvements in combustion, a new turbo, and updated Petronas fuel. The expectation is that Antonelli will be the one to use the new upgrade.
Ferrari is also preparing changes for the Italian stage. The new 067/6 power unit, in the final testing phase in Maranello, will have changes in the combustion chamber and turbo to reduce the performance gap on straights compared to Mercedes.
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Besides the engine, the Maranello team is expected to bring to Monza a new version of the macarena wing, created for low downforce tracks. The component was initially developed for Spa but was saved for the Italian race.
Currently, Mercedes leads the constructors’ championship with 379 points, while Ferrari has 307 in second place. In the drivers’ standings, Antonelli has a 50-point lead over seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.
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