diff --git a/tests/files/packet_ubuntu20-calico-etcd-kubeadm-upgrade-ha.yml b/tests/files/packet_ubuntu20-calico-etcd-kubeadm-upgrade-ha.yml
index db2bd6056..3eda9034b 100644
--- a/tests/files/packet_ubuntu20-calico-etcd-kubeadm-upgrade-ha.yml
+++ b/tests/files/packet_ubuntu20-calico-etcd-kubeadm-upgrade-ha.yml
@@ -11,3 +11,8 @@ upgrade_cluster_setup: true
 # Currently ipvs not available on KVM: https://packages.ubuntu.com/search?suite=focal&arch=amd64&mode=exactfilename&searchon=contents&keywords=ip_vs_sh.ko
 kube_proxy_mode: iptables
 enable_nodelocaldns: False
+
+# Pin disabling ipip mode to ensure proper upgrade
+ipip: false
+calico_vxlan_mode: Always
+calico_network_backend: bird