McLaren have announced that they will bring a fresh batch of upgrades to the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race in Baku to evolve into a four‑way 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 finally begun to find its rhythm. Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed win came as a result of an untimely virtual safety car deployment at the previous round in Madrid. The resurgence can be largely credited to McLaren’s relentless development programme.
Continuous improvements to the MCL40 have been introduced throughout the year, and these incremental changes have helped push the car back into the mix for podiums and potential race wins. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unusually, will be held on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – the team confirmed that a suite of new aerodynamic components will be fitted, and that the rotating "H‑Wing" element, which was absent from the car in 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 explained that, despite the fact that their championship hopes have been severely diminished – Kimi Antonelli is leading the Drivers' Championship and his Mercedes squad sits comfortably at the top of the Constructors' standings – the team remains motivated to keep developing the current car. "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 circuit presents a unique set of challenges that could amplify the impact of McLaren’s upgrades.
Known for having the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, the track also features a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test a car's mechanical grip and braking stability. Marshall believes this mix will produce 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 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." On a street circuit where margins for error are razor‑thin, even a small mistake can trigger costly repairs, loss of track time and a diversion of resources away from performance development. "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.
He remains confident that any of the top four teams – McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull – could claim victory in Baku, and he notes that the chasing pack is also 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," he said. The race weekend schedule is packed.
Wednesday, 23 September, will feature a drivers' press conference at 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2 pm. Thursday, 24 September, begins with an early‑morning F2 practice at 6.55 am, then the first F1 practice session at 9 am (officially starting at 9.30 am). The day continues with F2 qualifying, a team bosses' press conference, the second F1 practice at 12.30 pm, and the F1 Show at 2.15 pm. Friday, 25 September, includes the F2 sprint at 5.10 am, the third F1 practice at 9.15 am, the F2 feature race, and the build‑up to qualifying, which takes place at 1 pm, followed by Ted's Qualifying Notebook at 3 pm.
Finally, Saturday, 26 September, sees the second F2 feature race at 7.55 am, the Grand Prix start at 10.30 am, and the race itself later in the day, with post‑race coverage and analysis scheduled throughout the afternoon. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW – a contract‑free service that can be cancelled at any time.
This marks the first time in the 2026 season that a Grand Prix will be run on a Saturday, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans and teams alike. McLaren’s new aerodynamic parts, including the reinstated H‑Wing, are expected to reduce drag on the long Baku straight while still providing sufficient downforce for the twisty sections, potentially giving the British outfit a crucial advantage. In summary, McLaren are entering the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with a clear upgrade package aimed at improving straight‑line speed and overall aerodynamic efficiency.
Their ambition is to translate recent qualifying strength into race‑day results, and they see Baku as a perfect venue to test the MCL40’s versatility. With four top teams in contention and a circuit that rewards both raw power and precise handling, the stage is set for an exhilarating race that could see McLaren finally break their winless streak and re‑establish themselves as serious contenders in the 2026 Formula 1 championship.