The Italian Grand Prix at Monza is one of the most significant and iconic races on the Formula 1 calendar, especially for Scuderia Ferrari. As the home race for the team, there’s always a heightened level of expectation surrounding Ferrari’s performance.

This year, however, there’s an added layer of intrigue. Ferrari is set to debut a secret upgrade for the weekend, which is expected to have a significant impact on their performance.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into what Ferrari’s upgrade is, how it fits into their strategy, and what we can expect from them at the Italian Grand Prix this year.

With a history of major updates for Monza, Ferrari will be hoping that their 2025 upgrade package can help propel them to the front of the grid once again.

The Tradition of Monza Upgrades

Every year, Ferrari brings something special to the table at Monza. It’s the team’s home race, and as such, they have often made the most of it by introducing performance upgrades tailored specifically to this high-speed circuit. In 2024, Ferrari made a big step forward with a significant upgrade package, which saw Charles Leclerc take a well-earned victory.

This year, Ferrari’s upgrade is smaller in scale, but no less important. The upgrade is being described as “extreme” by insiders, with particular focus on the rear wing. While it may not be a game-changing development like some of their previous updates, it’s still seen as a crucial adjustment designed to give Ferrari an edge during the weekend’s crucial sessions.

What Is the “Extreme” Upgrade?

At the heart of Ferrari’s new upgrade is the rear wing, an essential component of any Formula 1 car’s aerodynamic setup. As is common at Monza, teams usually run low-downforce and low-drag setups to maximize top speed on the straights. Ferrari’s “extreme” upgrade, however, is designed to push the boundaries of this low-drag philosophy.

This rear wing is described as being visually striking, with some major alterations to its design. These adjustments will likely result in reduced drag while maintaining or even enhancing aerodynamic stability in the high-speed sections of the track. It’s expected that this new version will have a more trimmed design than the current rear wing in use by Ferrari, with the tips of the wing being cut back more than usual.

While Ferrari’s upgrade may not be revolutionary in terms of overall performance, it is seen as a calculated risk—a move to maximize their performance at Monza without compromising too much on the technical regulations that govern the sport. As the team has been playing catch-up to rivals like McLaren in recent months, the hope is that this “extreme” rear wing will offer just enough of an advantage to help them challenge for the top spots during the race.

The Technical Backdrop: Changes in Aerodynamic Regulations

The introduction of the extreme rear wing comes at a time when Formula 1’s technical regulations have been tightened. Early in the season, changes were made to address the flexing of both the front and rear wings, which some teams had exploited to gain an advantage in terms of downforce. Teams such as McLaren, Mercedes, Aston Martin, and even Ferrari had all pushed the boundaries of these regulations, but the FIA intervened to ensure that no team was gaining an unfair advantage by flexing their wings beyond what was deemed legal.

Ferrari’s extreme rear wing is a response to these tighter regulations. The team will have to ensure that the wing complies with the new flexing limits while also trying to make the most of its low-drag configuration. The design is a bit of a gamble, as any move that pushes the boundaries could lead to protests from rival teams. While Ferrari is confident that the wing meets the technical requirements, the risk remains that another team could challenge its legality.

The Impact on Ferrari’s Performance at Monza

Given Monza’s unique nature as a high-speed circuit, the setup for the weekend is critical. Ferrari has traditionally been strong at Monza, owing to their combination of speed and balance. Last year, Leclerc’s performance at Monza came as a surprise to many, as he secured the win with an intelligent one-stop strategy, something that was far from the pre-race predictions.

This year, however, the competition looks to be fierce. Red Bull, which has dominated the season so far, may not be as strong at Monza due to their car’s characteristics. The fast corners and long straights don’t suit the Red Bull as well as other circuits, which could open the door for Ferrari to challenge for the podium. That said, McLaren has shown impressive form in 2025, and Mercedes will also be a strong contender. Ferrari’s chances of success largely depend on how well they execute their strategy and how effectively they can use their upgrades throughout the weekend.

The Battle with Mercedes and McLaren

Mercedes and McLaren will be the teams to watch alongside Ferrari. Mercedes, with their stable car and consistent pace, could be the main contender for second place, while McLaren’s recent pace has put them in the spotlight as the team to beat. At the same time, Ferrari will be hoping that their new extreme rear wing will give them a unique advantage over their rivals.

The performance of the rear wing during free practice will be crucial. Ferrari will need to assess how the new rear wing works with their overall car setup and determine whether the upgrade can actually offer the performance benefits it promises. This will be a fine balancing act, as they’ll need to ensure the rear wing doesn’t negatively affect other aspects of the car’s performance, such as tire wear or handling.

Testing the Extreme Rear Wing: Will It Work?

One of the key questions surrounding Ferrari’s secret upgrade is whether the team will actually run the extreme rear wing in practice or during the race weekend. There’s no doubt that the team has spent considerable resources on its development, but whether it will be usable on track remains to be seen. If the team’s drivers, Leclerc and Sainz, do not feel comfortable with the new wing during practice, Ferrari may decide to revert to their regular setup.

Testing the upgrade in practice will be crucial. Ferrari will want to see how the extreme rear wing performs across different conditions, such as varying fuel loads and tire strategies, and how the drivers adapt to it. It’s also possible that one driver may prefer the new wing, while the other may not, resulting in a split decision for the team.

Regardless, Ferrari will want to get as much data as possible from the practice sessions, with a focus on optimizing the car’s setup and ensuring the rear wing works harmoniously with the rest of the car.

Conclusion: Ferrari’s Secret Weapon?

The Italian Grand Prix at Monza will be a pivotal race for Ferrari. With their secret “extreme” rear wing upgrade, they are hoping to close the gap to their competitors and challenge for podium finishes. While it may not be a game-changing development, the new wing could offer just the boost Ferrari needs to take on Mercedes and McLaren in what is expected to be a highly competitive race.

As always, the true test will come during the practice sessions, where Ferrari’s drivers will push the car to its limits. The success or failure of this upgrade could have significant implications for the remainder of the season, and fans will be eagerly watching to see if Ferrari can pull off another surprise victory at their home Grand Prix.

Monza has a way of throwing up surprises, and this year, Ferrari’s secret upgrade could just be the X-factor they need.