McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh batch of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, and they are confident that the race will evolve into a four‑horse showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and their own team. After a long winless stretch that spanned the first ten rounds of the 2026 season, the reigning constructors’ champions appear to have found their stride again. Lando Norris, who has secured three pole positions in the last four events, was denied a third win only because a virtual safety car was deployed at an inopportune moment during the previous race in Madrid, turning what looked like a sure victory into a narrow miss.
The resurgence of the MCL40 can be largely credited to McLaren’s relentless development programme. The squad has been rolling out regular aerodynamic and mechanical upgrades throughout the season, each iteration shaving off precious tenths of a second and gradually restoring the car to a podium‑winning pace.
In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unusually, is scheduled for a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday slot – the team confirmed that a suite of new components will be fitted, and that the rotating "H‑Wing" element, first seen in Monza, will be reinstated after being omitted in the Madrid round. "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 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 persisting with development despite the fact that McLaren's chances of clinching the championship have become increasingly slim. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli currently dominates the Drivers' Championship, and his team sits comfortably at the top of the Constructors' standings, leaving McLaren in a clear under‑dog position. Nevertheless, Marshall stressed that the continuity of the technical regulations into the following season, combined with the razor‑thin margins separating the front‑running teams, keep the engineers motivated to extract every last ounce of performance from the current chassis.
"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 set of challenges that are likely to amplify the effect of the new upgrades.
The track boasts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, stretching over 2.2 kilometres, which puts a premium on low‑drag solutions and straight‑line speed. At the same time, the circuit is punctuated by a series of tight, low‑speed corners that demand high down‑force and excellent mechanical grip. This combination forces teams to strike a delicate aerodynamic compromise, making the re‑introduction of the H‑Wing—a device designed to reduce drag on long straights while preserving down‑force in the twisty sections—particularly relevant.
Marshall highlighted that Baku will serve as a valuable test of the MCL40's versatility across a broad spectrum of characteristics. "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," he explained. "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." He added that the team expects any of the top four manufacturers—Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren—to be capable of taking the win, while the midfield pack is expected to close the gap further.
"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 race weekend schedule is packed with supporting events, beginning with a drivers' press conference on Wednesday, September 23, followed by a series of Formula 2 practice and qualifying sessions, and culminating in the main Grand Prix on Saturday, September 26. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW without a long‑term contract, allowing fans to watch the action in real time. In summary, McLaren's latest upgrade package—anchored by the reinstated H‑Wing and a host of aerodynamic refinements—aims to close the performance gap to the leading teams and position the MCL40 as a genuine contender on Baku's demanding street layout.
While the championship battle may already be leaning heavily in favour of Mercedes, the team’s determination to push the limits of their current car suggests that a surprise podium, or even a win, remains within reach if everything aligns on race day.