Ferrari brings a Michael Schumacher tribute livery and upgraded engine to Monza as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc try to close on Mercedes.
Ferrari will run a one-off Michael Schumacher tribute livery at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, combining its homecoming with an upgraded power unit and an opportunity to reduce Mercedes’ championship lead.
Schumacher colors return at Monza
Ferrari revealed the special design on September 1 before its home race. The tribute connects the Monza weekend directly to Schumacher, who won five consecutive drivers’ championships with Ferrari from 2000 through 2004.
There is pressure behind the presentation. Ferrari holds second in the constructors’ standings with 338 points, 87 behind Mercedes, while McLaren sits third with at least 263.
Engine upgrade lifts expectations
Ferrari is scheduled to bring an upgraded engine to Monza, where straight-line speed and efficient power delivery matter across the circuit’s long full-throttle sections.
That puts Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc firmly in focus. Hamilton is level with George Russell on 183 points, 59 behind championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli, while Leclerc has 155.
A home victory would quickly shift the mood.
Norris arrives in winning form
Lando Norris travels to Italy after winning the Dutch Grand Prix from pole. He crossed the line 11.536 seconds ahead of Antonelli at Zandvoort, with Russell third and Hamilton fourth.
The result secured consecutive victories for Norris and moved him to 159 points. He remains 83 behind Antonelli, but his recent run has made McLaren an immediate race-winning threat instead of a distant title outsider.
Antonelli retains control on 242 points with seven victories. Second place in the Netherlands contained the damage during a weekend when Norris had the faster package.
Ferrari fights on two fronts
Mercedes tops the teams’ championship with 425 points after Antonelli and Russell finished second and third at Zandvoort. Ferrari must also keep an eye on McLaren, whose progress has introduced another contender in the development fight.
The Monza upgrade has two clear tasks. Ferrari needs it to pressure Mercedes and defend second place from a McLaren team arriving in Italy with winning momentum.
Monza provides the next test
Practice starts Friday, September 4, with FP1 at 12:30 p. m. local time and FP2 at 4 p. m. The Italian Grand Prix begins Sunday, September 6, at 3 p. m. local time, giving Ferrari’s tribute design and upgraded engine their first race-distance examination.
