McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh set of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race to evolve into a tight four‑horse battle involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a winless start to the season – the first ten rounds passed without a victory for the defending champions – the team appears to have found its stride. Lando Norris has already secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed win came in Madrid when a virtual safety car intervened at the most inopportune moment, depriving him of a potential triumph. The resurgence can be largely credited to McLaren's relentless development programme.
The MCL40 has received a steady stream of aerodynamic and mechanical enhancements throughout the year, each iteration shaving off precious tenths of a second and gradually restoring the outfit to the front of the grid. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unlike most Grand Prix, will be run on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – the team confirmed that new components will be fitted and that the rotating "H‑Wing" – first seen in Monza – will make a return after being omitted from the Madrid package. "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 McLaren press release 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 elaborated on the strategic rationale behind the upgrades. Even though the team's championship aspirations have been severely dented – with Kimi Antonelli dominating the Drivers' Championship and his Mercedes crew comfortably leading the Constructors' standings – McLaren remains eager 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." The Baku City Circuit presents a unique blend of challenges that will test the MCL40's versatility. It boasts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, demanding low drag and high top‑speed efficiency, while also featuring a series of tight, low‑speed corners that require strong mechanical grip and precise handling.
Marshall believes this mix will generate an entertaining showdown 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 crucial factor, especially given the long straight that leads into Turn 1 where the brakes and tyres are still relatively cold. "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." McLaren expects any of the four leading teams – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and themselves – to have a realistic chance of taking the checkered flag.
Moreover, the midfield pack is expected to close the gap, making the race even more unpredictable. "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 event schedule is packed with support series and media commitments. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference will kick off at 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2 pm.
Thursday sees F2 practice in the early morning, the first Azerbaijan GP practice at 9:30 am, and a series of qualifying sessions for both F2 and F1, culminating in the Team Bosses' press conference at noon. Friday includes the F2 sprint, the final practice session for the Grand Prix, and the crucial qualifying session for the Azerbaijan GP, slated for 1 pm.
Saturday will host the second F2 feature race before the main event begins at 10:30 am, with the Grand Prix itself scheduled for midday on Sunday, followed by post‑race analysis and commentary. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports Main Event, with additional streaming available via NOW, offering a contract‑free, cancel‑anytime option. The decision to run the race on a Saturday adds an extra layer of excitement, as it creates a triple‑header of races over the weekend, giving viewers continuous high‑octane entertainment.
In summary, McLaren's commitment to continuous development, the reintroduction of the H‑Wing, and the strategic focus on aerodynamic efficiency position them as serious contenders in Baku. While the championship battle may already be leaning heavily toward Mercedes, the unpredictable nature of street circuits, combined with the team's recent momentum, means that a McLaren victory is well within the realm of possibility. The upcoming race will not only serve as a litmus test for the current car's performance but also provide valuable data that will inform the design of the 2027 package, ensuring that the team remains competitive in the evolving regulatory landscape.