McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh batch of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race to evolve into a four‑horse showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a winless start to the season – the first ten Grands Prix passed without a victory for the reigning Constructors' Champions – the team appears to be finding its stride again. Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed win came as a result of an ill‑timed virtual safety car during the previous race in Madrid.
The British outfit has once more demonstrated the strength of its development programme. Continuous improvements to the MCL40 have played a pivotal role in reviving their competitiveness and putting them back in the mix for race wins.
In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unlike most rounds, will be held on a Saturday rather than a Sunday – McLaren confirmed that new aerodynamic components will be fitted and that the rotating "H‑Wing" introduced at Monza will return after being omitted in Madrid. "As part of the team's continued journey throughout the 2026 season, we will bring to Baku a set of upgrades aimed at improving the aerodynamic performance of the MCL40," the team statement read. "Additionally, the H‑Wing, which debuted in Monza, will be back in action on a circuit where drag reduction can be a decisive factor. As has been our approach at previous stops this year, all new parts will be evaluated during practice before we make final decisions on the qualifying and race set‑up for the weekend." Chief Technical Officer and Chief Designer Rob Marshall explained that, despite their championship hopes being slim – Kimi Antonelli leads the Drivers' Championship and his Mercedes squad sits comfortably at the top of the Constructors' table – McLaren remain eager to push the car forward.
"With regulatory continuity into next season and the front‑running competition so close, our motivation to keep developing the car remains high," Marshall said. "We must balance that with work on next year's car, but our immediate focus is on delivering more performance and fighting for more victories in 2026, while carrying forward everything we learn." The Baku City Circuit presents a unique blend of challenges.
It hosts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, demanding low‑drag solutions, while also featuring a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test mechanical grip and braking stability. Marshall believes this mix will produce entertaining battles among the leading teams.
"Baku will provide another valuable test of the MCL40 across a very different range of characteristics," he added. Energy management will be crucial, especially given the long straight that leads into a cold set of brakes and tyres at Turn 1. "Energy deployment, tyre and brake management will be particularly important," Marshall noted. "Operationally, there is very little margin for error on a tight street circuit.
A small mistake can lead to significant repairs, lost track time and resources being diverted away from performance, so confidence, precision and disciplined execution will be essential throughout the weekend." He also stressed that any of the top four teams – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren – could realistically claim victory in Baku, while the rest of the field continues to close the gap. "We expect any of the top four teams to be capable of winning in Baku, with the chasing pack also getting closer, and we hope to be firmly in the fight at the front," Marshall said. The event schedule is packed. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference is slated for 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2 pm.
Thursday, September 24, features early‑morning F2 practice at 6:55 am, the first Azerbaijan GP practice session at 9:30 am, and a series of qualifying sessions for both F2 and F1 throughout the day, culminating in the Team Bosses' press conference at noon. Friday, September 25, includes the F2 sprint race, the third GP practice, and the crucial F1 qualifying session at 1 pm, with commentary and analysis from Ted's Qualifying Notebook later in the afternoon. Saturday, September 26, the final day of racing action, begins with the second F2 feature race in the morning, followed by the Grand Prix itself at 10:30 am. The race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and streamed via NOW, offering a contract‑free, cancel‑anytime option for viewers.
The weekend will close with post‑race reaction shows and another edition of Ted's Notebook. Overall, McLaren's decision to bring additional upgrades – notably the reinstated H‑Wing and a suite of aerodynamic refinements – underscores their commitment to remain competitive despite a challenging championship landscape. By fine‑tuning the MCL40 for the distinctive demands of Baku, they aim to extract maximum performance, manage energy and tyre wear efficiently, and position themselves as genuine contenders for the top step of the podium. The race promises to be a showcase of speed, strategy and precision, with four leading manufacturers poised to battle for the win on one of Formula 1's most demanding street circuits.