McLaren have announced that they will introduce further upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, and they expect the race to evolve into a four‑horse showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a dry spell that saw the defending world champions miss out on a win in the first ten rounds of the 2026 season, the team appears to have found its stride. Lando Norris has secured pole position in three of the last four events, and his only missed opportunity for a third win came when a virtual safety car period in Madrid interrupted his race at an inopportune moment.
The resurgence can be largely credited to McLaren’s relentless development programme. The MCL40 has been subject to a steady stream of aerodynamic and mechanical updates, each contributing to the car’s gradual climb back into the win‑talk. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unlike most races, is scheduled for Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – the team confirmed that new components will be fitted and that the rotating "H‑Wing" – a device first seen in Monza – will make a return after being omitted from the Madrid weekend.
"As part of the team's continued journey throughout the 2026 season, the team will bring to Baku a set of upgrades aimed to improve the aerodynamic performance of the MCL40," the team statement read. "Additionally the H‑Wing, that debuted in Monza, will be back in action on a track where the drag reduction can be a factor. As has been the approach in previous races this season, all new parts will be evaluated throughout practice before the team makes final decisions regarding the MCL40's Qualifying and Grand Prix setup for the weekend." Chief Technical Officer and Chief Designer Rob Marshall explained that, even though McLaren’s championship aspirations are modest – with Kimi Antonelli dominating the Drivers' Championship and Mercedes comfortably leading the Constructors' standings – the squad remains motivated to push the car forward.
"With regulatory continuity into next season and the competition at the front 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." Baku’s street circuit presents a unique set of challenges that should test the MCL40’s versatility. The track boasts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, which places a premium on low drag, while a series of tight, low‑speed corners demand high downforce and mechanical grip. Marshall believes this blend will generate exciting battles among the top teams.
"Baku will provide another valuable test of the MCL40 across a very different range of characteristics," he added. Energy management will be a critical factor, especially given the long straight leading into Turn 1, where brakes and tyres will be relatively cold after the high‑speed run.
"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." The team is confident that any of the four leading manufacturers – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren – could claim the top step, while the rest of the field is closing 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 concluded.
The weekend schedule is packed, beginning with a drivers' press conference on Wednesday, September 23, at 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2 pm. Thursday sees early‑morning Formula 2 practice, then the first F1 practice session at 9:30 am, before a full day of qualifying and press events.
Friday includes the F2 sprint, a third practice session for the Grand Prix, and the crucial qualifying session for the Azerbaijan GP at 1 pm, accompanied by media briefings. Saturday’s race day starts with the second F2 feature race at 7:55 am, leading into the main Grand Prix at 10:30 am. The weekend wraps up on Sunday with post‑race analysis and reaction programmes. All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with additional coverage available via the NOW streaming service, which offers a contract‑free, cancel‑anytime option.
Fans can tune in to watch the Baku Grand Prix live, as the 2026 Formula 1 season continues its triple‑header of races, with the Azerbaijan round taking place on a Saturday at midday – a rare deviation from the usual Sunday format. In summary, McLaren’s commitment to continuous improvement, the reintroduction of the H‑Wing, and a strategic focus on aerodynamic efficiency position them as serious contenders in what promises to be a thrilling, tightly contested race in Baku. The combination of a long straight, demanding corners, and the ever‑present need for flawless execution means that the outcome will hinge on both raw speed and meticulous racecraft, offering fans a potentially unforgettable spectacle.