Ferrari schedule private Monza test to understand Mercedes’ biggest advantage this season

Follow us on Google Discover

Mercedes have emerged as the clear favourites for the 2026 F1 title after two rounds of racing this season, largely thanks to the best-in-class power unit that engineers have developed in their Brixworth engine facility.

Following Lando Norris’ title feat last season, F1 fans are expecting another first-time title-winner this season after Mercedes emerged as the benchmark in the sport’s new era of technical regulations.

George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have respectively led one-twos for the Silver Arrows in the first two rounds that have been raced in 2026, with Ferrari indicating that they are the second-fastest F1 outfit currently on the grid.

Fred Vasseur refuses to use team orders at Ferrari – Is he wrong?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Not only is Mercedes’ new power unit currently the strongest on the grid, but Antonelli’s data from the Chinese GP also indicates that the W17 is in a different league when it comes to tyre management as well.

However, Fred Vasseur and co have a plan in place to combat the advantage that Russell and his counterpart are currently experiencing at the wheel of Mercedes’ 2026 challenger, and it involves a private test at the ‘most complicated’ circuit on the calendar in terms of energy management.

• READ MORE: David Croft says Lewis Hamilton’s overtake on Charles Leclerc proves F1 isn’t all about batteries

Ferrari schedule private test at Monza to combat Mercedes’ engine superiority

According to a report by Motorsport Italia, the FIA has granted Ferrari’s request to hold their second filming day of the season at Monza, a circuit that is notorious for stretching the limits of an F1 car’s electrical battery stores.

The F1 regulations stipulate that every team on the grid is allowed two filming days per calendar year, in which they are limited to clocking in 100km with their current-spec car while utilising a special compound of tyres that aren’t present on race weekends.

While the temple of speed is one of Ferrari’s most beloved stomping grounds, the report also states that their decision to choose the ‘most critical’ circuit on the F1 calendar for energy management is ‘not random’.

The speed trap data from the Chinese GP highlighted how Ferrari’s power unit had the second-lowest average top speed out of the five engine manufacturers on the grid, according to Formula Data Analysis.

Jacques Villeneuve thinks Charles Leclerc was took aggressive during the F1 Sprint in China

Should Lewis Hamilton be annoyed about his teammate's driving?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

The report highlights that Ferrari’s engine chief, Enrico Gualtieri, will be focusing efforts on trying to adjust the torque curve to provide Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc with two benefits: saving some energy by limiting the use of electrical power, and preserving tyre life.

This is to combat a neat trick that Mercedes engineers have come up with to limit the effect of super clipping, which is when drivers experience a drastic drop in speed at the end of the straights.

• READ MORE: Ferrari emerge as ‘key lobbyist’ against major 2026 F1 rule change rivals teams are desperate for

The private test may also give Ferrari time to further test some innovations

While the date of Ferrari’s filming day at Monza is yet to be confirmed, Motorsport have speculated that it is likely to take place before the end of April, coinciding with the five-week break F1 teams are looking at due to the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs.

This may be the perfect opportunity for engineers at Maranello to refine some of the finer details of their technical innovations, in time for some track action at Monza.

Ferrari are expected to bring their eye-catching Macarena wing to the next round of the season in Japan after liking what they saw from the data collected in Shanghai.

Now, there’s no guarantee that it will feature during the Grand Prix at Suzuka, but it is likely to feature in a practice session as engineers look to gather even more intelligence on the benefits Hamilton and Leclerc would gain from it.