2026 Italian GP: First Practice at Monza Reveals New Power Under 2026 Regulations

Monza, September 5, 2026 – The first practice session (FP1) of the 2026 Italian Grand Prix took place at the high-speed Monza circuit, marking the first time drivers and teams have run here under a completely new set of technical regulations. With the biggest changes in a decade – including a new chassis, 50% electrified hybrid power units, active aerodynamics, and sustainable fuels – this session was not just a speed test but the first real examination of each team's development strategy. Although the session's content is still preliminary, early signals from telemetry data and driver feedback have painted an intriguing picture of the battle for advantage. From the very first laps, Ferrari and Red Bull showed rapid adaptation to the new rules. Charles Leclerc, in the SF-26 with active aerodynamics optimized for Monza, recorded an impressive top speed of 342 km/h on the longest straight. However, more notable was his ability to maintain speed through high-speed corners like Parabolica and Ascari. Data showed Ferrari opted for a medium wing angle, sacrificing a bit of top speed for better grip in slower sections. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen of Red Bull prioritized a low-downforce configuration, reaching 347 km/h but losing more time in corners. This difference reflects opposing strategies in exploiting active aerodynamics – a feature that allows switching between high-downforce and low-drag modes depending on the track segment. The session also saw an impressive performance from the Audi team – a new entrant this season after acquiring Sauber. German driver Nico Hülkenberg completed 18 laps with consistent pace, finishing 7th overall. Though not yet competitive with the front runners, Audi showed clear progress compared to pre-season tests. In particular, the more powerful MGU-K under the 2026 regulations helped them maintain good speed on straights, compensating for a lack of downforce in some corners. Meanwhile, Cadillac – the 11th team on the grid – struggled with hybrid battery system reliability, completing only 9 laps and finishing last. One of the technical highlights was how teams used active aerodynamics. The 2026 regulations allow front and rear wings to change angle of attack in designated zones, similar to DRS but more flexible. At Monza, where about 80% of the lap is full throttle, the timing of activating low-drag mode became crucial. Data from Mercedes showed Lewis Hamilton tested three different strategies: early activation on the long straight, late activation at corner exit, and continuous activation. Results showed that late activation provided the highest top speed (345 km/h) but reduced stability entering the next corner. Conversely, early activation helped maintain a more stable trajectory. This indicates teams will need to fine-tune control software to optimize performance on each lap. From a strategic standpoint, FP1 is not decisive for the main race, but it provides important clues. Monza is traditionally known for one-stop strategies due to low tire degradation, but with active aerodynamics, overtaking possibilities may change. Teams spent most of the time on long runs with medium and hard tires, collecting data on tire degradation under low-drag mode. Preliminary data from Pirelli showed medium tires lasting about 25 laps, while hard tires could extend to 35 laps – similar to previous seasons. However, the new energy recovery system (more powerful MGU-K) could affect energy management and braking strategy, altering how drivers approach corners. Several other drivers also left their mark. Lando Norris (McLaren) looked very comfortable in the MCL-61, achieving impressive speed through the Variante della Roggia. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) had a minor issue with the MGU-H system – which was removed under 2026 regulations, but the team is still testing some custom solutions. The issue cost him nearly 10 minutes in the garage. However, Alonso still managed 12 laps and finished 11th. Overall, FP1 at Monza 2026 brought positive signals about team competitiveness under the new regulations. Ferrari led with consistent pace, Red Bull dominated top speed, Mercedes focused on active aero optimization, and Audi showed early potential. However, it is too early to draw conclusions. FP2 and FP3 on Friday and Saturday will provide more data on lap times and reliability. Qualifying on Saturday will be the first true measure of team strength. With such major regulatory changes, Monza 2026 is not just another race – it is the starting point of a new era in Formula 1. Detailed analysis: Why did Ferrari choose a medium downforce configuration? Data from the runs showed Leclerc lost 0.2 seconds on the straight compared to Verstappen, but gained 0.3 seconds in high-speed corners. This aligns with Ferrari's strategy: leveraging the new chassis to generate downforce from the ground (ground effect) rather than wings. Meanwhile, Red Bull remained faithful to Monza's traditional low-downforce philosophy, but their overtaking ability may be limited if they cannot follow rivals through corners. This is a puzzle engineers will have to solve throughout the weekend. Technically, the 2026 active aerodynamics allow the rear wing to open up to 30 degrees in low-drag mode, compared to 15 degrees in old DRS. This creates a large top speed difference – estimated at around 15 km/h. However, activation is no longer limited to fixed DRS zones; drivers can activate on any straight, as long as it is within permitted areas designated by the FIA. At Monza, activation zones include the entire main straight and the straight from Ascari to Parabolica. This increases overtaking opportunities but also requires drivers to manage electrical energy and tire temperatures precisely. The session also saw minor incidents. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) lost control at Lesmo 2 due to activating low-drag too early, causing a spin but no collision. This incident highlights the risk of the new system: if activated at the wrong time, the sudden loss of downforce can cause the car to lose grip. Teams will need to develop safety software to prevent similar situations. On the driver market front, Monza is always the epicenter of the 'silly season'. This year, with the arrival of Audi and Cadillac, many seats are open. Some sources suggest Carlos Sainz is negotiating with Cadillac for the 2027 season, while Liam Lawson is rumored to replace Sergio Pérez at Red Bull if Pérez does not improve. However, nothing is confirmed and FP1 brought no official announcements. Conclusion: FP1 at Monza 2026 was a technically rich session despite limited time. Ferrari led in consistent lap pace, Red Bull in top speed, Mercedes showed flexibility in aero tactics, and Audi initially asserted its position. However, everything lies ahead. Qualifying will be the real test. Can Ferrari maintain their advantage? Can Red Bull find a balance between speed and grip? The answers will come on Saturday.