McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh set of 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 long winless streak that stretched across the first ten rounds of the 2026 season, the reigning world champions have begun to rediscover their competitive edge. Lando Norris, the British driver, has secured three pole positions in the last four events and was only denied a third win in Madrid when a virtual safety car was deployed at an inopportune moment, stripping him of a potential victory. The team’s resurgence can be largely attributed to a relentless development programme.
Since the start of the year, McLaren have delivered a steady stream of parts for the MCL40, each upgrade incrementally improving the car’s performance envelope. The cumulative effect of these enhancements has thrust the squad back into the mix for race wins, a position they have not occupied for several seasons. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – a race that will be run on Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday slot – McLaren disclosed that a number of new aerodynamic components will be fitted, and that the distinctive rotating "H‑Wing" element, which was omitted in the previous round at Madrid, will make a return.
"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 elaborated on the strategic rationale behind the upgrade push.
Even though McLaren's hopes of clinching the championship have become increasingly remote – with Kimi Antonelli dominating the Drivers' Championship and his Mercedes team sitting comfortably at the top of the constructors' table – the engineering team remains motivated to extract every ounce of performance they can. "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 blend of challenges that are likely to test the MCL40 in ways that differ from the high‑speed tracks the team has encountered so far. The circuit boasts the longest straight on the current Formula 1 calendar, allowing cars to reach top speeds exceeding 340 km/h, before plunging into a series of tight, low‑speed corners that demand precise handling and excellent brake performance. Marshall believes this mix will generate an entertaining battle among the front‑running 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 length of the main straight and the need to balance fuel consumption with outright speed. Tire and brake temperatures will also be under scrutiny, as the cars will arrive at Turn 1 after a long, high‑speed run, leaving those components 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 warned. The team’s outlook is optimistic: "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." This confidence is bolstered by the fact that McLaren’s development trajectory has been upward, and the new parts – including a refreshed front wing, revised bargeboard package and a refined rear diffuser – are designed to reduce drag while maintaining downforce, a balance that is critical on a circuit where straight‑line speed and cornering grip are equally important.
The race weekend schedule is packed, beginning with a drivers' press conference on Wednesday, September 23, followed by a series of practice sessions, qualifying and support races across the F2 and F1 categories. Notably, the Grand Prix itself will be held on Saturday, September 26, with the main race slated for midday. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW without a long‑term contract.
In summary, McLaren’s decision to introduce further aerodynamic upgrades and re‑install the H‑Wing underlines their commitment to staying competitive despite a diminishing championship outlook. The Baku street circuit, with its blend of blistering speed and technical sections, offers a perfect arena for the team to showcase the fruits of their development work. If the upgrades perform as expected, McLaren could well be in contention for a podium finish, and perhaps even a surprise victory, as they battle Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull for supremacy on the streets of Azerbaijan.