McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh batch of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race in Baku to evolve into a four‑horse battle involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a dry spell that saw them miss out on a win in the first ten rounds of the 2026 season, the defending world champions have started to rediscover their form.
Lando Norris has already secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed opportunity for a third victory came when a virtual safety car was deployed at an inopportune moment during the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. The resurgence can be largely credited to McLaren’s relentless development programme. The team has been rolling out a steady stream of parts for the MCL40, and each incremental improvement has helped to lift the car back into the mix for podium finishes. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unlike most races, will be held on a Saturday instead of the traditional Sunday – the team confirmed that a number of new components will be fitted, and that the rotating "H‑Wing" that debuted at Monza will make a return after being omitted in Madrid.
"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 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 hopes are slim – Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes dominate the drivers' standings and sit comfortably at the top of the constructors' table – the team 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." The Baku City Circuit presents a unique set of challenges that could level the playing field.
It boasts the longest straight on the F1 calendar, stretching over 2.2 kilometres, which puts a premium on top‑end speed and aerodynamic efficiency. At the same time, the track is peppered with tight, low‑speed corners that test a car’s mechanical grip and braking stability.
Marshall believes this mix will generate an "entertaining competition between the top teams" because it forces each outfit to find a compromise between low drag for the straight and sufficient downforce for the twisty sections. "Baku will provide another valuable test of the MCL40 across a very different range of characteristics," he added. "Energy management and deployment will be particularly important, as will tyre and brake management with the cars arriving at Turn 1 after the long straight with these areas relatively cold. 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." Marshall summed up the team's outlook: "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." The schedule for the weekend is packed, beginning with a drivers' press conference on Wednesday, followed by practice sessions, qualifying and the race itself on Saturday, with the final ceremony on Sunday. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and viewers can stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract.
In addition to the on‑track action, McLaren will be closely monitoring the performance of the H‑Wing. The device, which can be deployed to reduce drag on long straights, was first seen at Monza, where its ability to flatten the car's profile gave a measurable speed advantage. Baku's signature straight offers a perfect environment to test whether the H‑Wing can deliver a tangible lap‑time gain without compromising stability through the subsequent heavy braking zone.
The team’s development strategy also involves a careful balance between short‑term upgrades for the current season and long‑term projects aimed at the 2027 regulations. While the immediate goal is to extract as much performance as possible from the MCL40, the data gathered in Baku will feed into the aerodynamic concepts that will shape the next generation of McLaren cars. This dual focus reflects a broader trend in Formula 1, where teams must juggle the pressures of the present championship against the need to stay ahead of the regulatory curve. Overall, McLaren’s announcement signals a clear intent: they are not content to settle for mid‑field finishes, even if the title race appears out of reach.
By bringing fresh parts, re‑introducing the H‑Wing and committing to a meticulous testing programme throughout the weekend, the Silver Arrows aim to turn Baku into a stage where they can challenge the traditional front‑runners. Whether they can convert this ambition into a podium – or even a win – will depend on how well the upgrades integrate, how effectively the drivers manage tyre wear and energy deployment, and how the unpredictable nature of a street circuit unfolds on race day.