McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh set of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a race that is expected to turn into a four‑horse showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and the Scottish team. After a winless start to the season – the first ten races passed without a checkered flag for the defending champions – McLaren have begun to find their rhythm. Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events and was only denied a third win in Madrid when a virtual safety car period intervened at an inopportune moment.
The team’s relentless development programme has been a key factor in this resurgence. Continuous aerodynamic and mechanical refinements to the MCL40 have steadily lifted the car’s performance, allowing McLaren to re‑enter the fight for podiums and victories.
In the official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unusually, will be held on a Saturday instead of the traditional Sunday – the outfit confirmed that a range of new components will be fitted, and that the rotating "H‑Wing" first seen in Monza will make a return after being omitted in the Spanish round. "As part of our ongoing evolution throughout the 2026 campaign, we will bring to Baku a package of upgrades designed to enhance the aerodynamic efficiency of the MCL40," the team statement read.
"In addition, the H‑Wing, which debuted in Monza, will be reinstated on a circuit where drag reduction can be decisive. As with previous outings this season, all fresh parts will be assessed during practice before we lock in our qualifying and race set‑up for the weekend." Chief Technical Officer and Chief Designer Rob Marshall elaborated on the motivation behind the continued development push, even though McLaren’s championship hopes have become marginal.
With Kimi Antonelli leading the Drivers' Championship and his Mercedes squad comfortably ahead in the constructors' tally, McLaren recognise the importance of staying competitive on a race‑by‑race basis. "Given the regulatory continuity into next year and the razor‑thin margins at the front, our drive to keep improving the car stays very high," Marshall said. "We must also juggle work on next year’s car, but our immediate priority is to extract more performance and chase further wins in 2026, while carrying forward the knowledge we gain." The Baku street circuit presents a unique blend of challenges that could amplify the effect of the new upgrades.
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 mechanical grip and braking stability. Marshall expects this mix to generate an exciting battle among the leading teams. "Baku will be another valuable test of the MCL40 across a very different set of characteristics," he added. Energy management will be a critical factor, especially on the long run down the main straight where cars reach extreme velocities before braking heavily into Turn 1.
"Deploying the hybrid power unit efficiently, as well as managing tyre temperatures and brake wear, will be essential," Marshall explained. "The cars arrive at Turn 1 with relatively cold brakes and tyres after the high‑speed section, so getting the right balance will be key to maintaining pace without overheating the components." The narrow nature of the street circuit leaves little room for error. A single mistake can result in a costly repair, loss of valuable track time, and a diversion of resources away from performance development.
Consequently, precision, confidence and disciplined execution will be paramount throughout the weekend. "We expect any of the top four teams to be capable of winning in Baku, with the midfield closing the gap, and we hope to be firmly in the fight at the front," Marshall concluded. The event schedule is packed, beginning with a drivers' press conference on Wednesday, September 23 at 11:00 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2:00 pm.
Thursday, September 24 features early morning Formula 2 practice, the first Formula 1 practice session at 9:30 am, and a series of qualifying sessions for both categories, culminating in the team bosses' press conference at noon and a second practice slot at 1:00 pm. Friday, September 25 includes a Formula 2 sprint, the third F1 practice, the F2 feature race, and the crucial Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying session at 1:00 pm, with a post‑qualifying analysis segment at 3:00 pm. Saturday, September 26 marks the climax with the second Formula 2 feature race at 7:55 am, the Grand Prix start at 10:30 am and the main race itself, followed by post‑race reaction and a final analysis notebook. All sessions are also available live on Sky Sports Main Event.
The 2026 Formula 1 season continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be part of a triple‑header of races, with the Baku event taking place on a Saturday at midday. Viewers can stream Sky Sports via NOW, with no long‑term contract and the ability to cancel at any time, ensuring easy access to the high‑octane action as McLaren aim to turn their recent upgrades into a podium finish and possibly a race win in one of the sport’s most spectacular street venues.