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 stretch that spanned the first ten rounds of the 2026 campaign, the reigning world champions have begun to rediscover their winning form. Lando Norris, the team’s lead driver, has secured pole position in three of the last four events and was denied a third consecutive victory only because a virtual safety car was deployed at an inopportune moment during the previous race in Madrid.
The resurgence can be traced to McLaren’s relentless development programme. The MCL40 has been subject to a steady stream of aerodynamic and mechanical enhancements, each iteration shaving off precious tenths of a second and gradually restoring the car’s competitiveness.
In the official pre‑race briefing, the team confirmed that a number of new components will be fitted for the Baku weekend and that the rotating "H‑Wing" – a small aerodynamic appendage first seen at Monza – will return after being omitted from the Madrid layout. "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 rationale behind pushing forward with development despite the fact that the championship battle appears heavily tilted toward Mercedes. Kimi Antonelli has built a sizable lead in the Drivers' Championship, and his Mercedes squad sits comfortably at the top of the Constructors' standings. Nevertheless, Marshall stressed that the continuity of the technical regulations into the following year, combined with the narrow margins separating the front‑running teams, keep McLaren’s motivation high.
"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 street circuit presents a unique blend of challenges that should test the MCL40’s versatility. The track boasts the longest straight on the modern Formula 1 calendar, allowing cars to reach top speeds exceeding 350 km/h, while also featuring a series of tight, low‑speed corners that demand high downforce and precise handling. This combination forces teams to strike a delicate aerodynamic compromise, making the newly introduced parts and the H‑Wing potentially decisive.
Marshall highlighted that energy management will be a critical factor. "Energy 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," he explained.
The long straight not only tests the power unit’s efficiency but also places a premium on how drivers conserve and then unleash stored electrical energy in the final sectors of the lap. Operationally, the narrow margins for error on a street circuit mean that a single mis‑judgement can trigger costly repairs, loss of track time and a diversion of resources away from performance development. "Confidence, precision and disciplined execution will be essential throughout the weekend," Marshall added.
McLaren’s outlook is cautiously optimistic. The team believes any of the four leading manufacturers – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren – possesses the capability to claim victory in Baku, while the midfield pack is steadily 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," said Marshall. The race weekend schedule is packed.
The drivers’ press conference is slated for Wednesday, 23 September at 11:00 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2:00 pm. Thursday sees the start of Formula 2 practice at 6:55 am, with the first F1 practice session commencing at 9:30 am, and the qualifying session for the Azerbaijan GP slated for 1:00 pm on Friday. The sprint race for F2 will take place on Friday morning, while the final practice session for F1 runs at 9:30 am the same day.
Qualifying for the Grand Prix is scheduled for 1:00 pm on Friday, with the race itself set for Saturday, 26 September, beginning at 12:00 pm local time. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via the NOW platform, offering a contract‑free option that can be cancelled at any time. The decision to hold the Grand Prix on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday adds an extra layer of excitement to the weekend, as fans worldwide will be treated to a triple‑header of races across the Formula 1 calendar. In summary, McLaren’s strategic upgrade package, the return of the H‑Wing, and the team’s unwavering commitment to development set the stage for an exhilarating showdown in Baku.
With the unique demands of the circuit, the close competition among the top teams, and the ever‑present need for flawless execution, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises to be a pivotal moment in the 2026 season, offering McLaren a genuine chance to add another victory to their storied history.