McLaren have announced that they will introduce further upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race to turn into a four‑horse showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a winless start to the season – the first ten Grands Prix passed without a victory for the defending constructors' champions – the team has begun to find its rhythm.
Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed win so far came when a virtual safety car intervened at an inopportune moment during the previous race in Madrid. The team’s relentless development programme has been a key factor in this resurgence.
Continuous improvements to the MCL40 have steadily lifted the car’s performance, allowing McLaren to re‑enter the fight for podiums and, ultimately, race wins. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which will be held on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday slot – McLaren confirmed that a suite of new aerodynamic components will be fitted, and that the rotating "H‑Wing" first seen in 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 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 explained that, despite their title hopes being slim – Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes dominate the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships – 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 street circuit presents a unique set of challenges that could level the playing field. It boasts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, demanding low drag for top speed, while also featuring a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test a car's mechanical grip and braking stability. Marshall believes these contrasting characteristics will foster an entertaining battle among the leading teams. "Baku will provide another valuable test of the MCL40 across a very different range of characteristics," he added.
Energy management will be crucial on a track where cars accelerate from a near‑standstill into a 5.5‑kilometre straight, then brake hard into Turn 1. "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," Marshall noted. The street layout leaves little room for error; a minor mis‑step can result in significant damage, loss of track time and a diversion of resources away from performance upgrades. Consequently, the team emphasised the need for confidence, precision and disciplined execution throughout the weekend.
McLaren expect that any of the four top teams – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and themselves – could claim victory in Baku, while the midfield pack is 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," Marshall concluded. The race weekend schedule is packed with support events and practice sessions.
On Wednesday, a drivers' press conference will be held at 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut at 2 pm. Thursday features early‑morning Formula 2 practice, the first Formula 1 practice session at 9:30 am, and the team's press conference at noon. Friday includes a Formula 2 sprint, the third practice session, and the crucial qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at 1 pm.
Saturday sees the final Formula 2 race and the Grand Prix itself, which will start at midday. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming available via NOW without a long‑term contract. McLaren's strategic upgrades, combined with the demanding nature of the Baku circuit, set the stage for a highly competitive race.
While the championship leaders continue to pull away in the points, the British outfit's aggressive development path and the reintroduction of the H‑Wing could give them the extra edge needed to challenge for the top step of the podium. Fans can look forward to a weekend where aerodynamic efficiency, tyre management, and driver skill converge on one of Formula 1's most iconic street tracks, potentially reshaping the narrative of a season that has, until now, been dominated by a handful of frontrunners.