McLaren have announced that they will bring a fresh set of upgrades to the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, and they are confident that the race will evolve into a four‑horse showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a season that began with a winless streak across the first ten rounds, the reigning constructors' champions have started to find their rhythm. Lando Norris, in particular, has secured three pole positions in the last four events and was only denied a third win at the recent Spanish Grand Prix when a virtual safety car period unfolded at an inopportune moment, stripping him of a clear track ahead. The team’s ability to develop the MCL40 on a regular basis has been a key factor in their resurgence.
Continuous aerodynamic and mechanical upgrades have steadily lifted the car’s performance, allowing McLaren to re‑enter the battle for podiums and victories. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unlike most races, will be held on a Saturday rather than the customary Sunday – McLaren confirmed that new components will be introduced and that the distinctive rotating "H‑Wing" will make a return after being omitted in the Spanish round.
"As part of the team's ongoing development programme throughout the 2026 season, 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 events, all new 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 explained that, despite the fact that the championship fight appears heavily tilted toward Mercedes – with Kimi Antonelli leading the Drivers' Championship and his team comfortably ahead in the constructors' tally – McLaren remains eager to push development.
"With regulatory continuity into next year and the front‑running teams so closely matched, our motivation to keep improving the car stays very high," Marshall said. "We must also balance this with work on the 2027 car, but our immediate priority is to extract more performance and chase further wins in 2026 while carrying forward every lesson we learn." The Baku street circuit presents a unique blend of challenges. It features the longest straight on the current Formula 1 calendar, allowing cars to reach extreme top speeds, followed by a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test a car’s mechanical grip and driver precision. Marshall believes this mix will foster entertaining competition among the leading teams.
"Baku offers a valuable test of the MCL40 across a very different set of characteristics," he added. "Energy management and deployment will be crucial, as will tyre and brake handling. After the long straight, the cars arrive at Turn 1 with relatively cold brakes and tyres, so preserving performance there is essential." Operating on a narrow street layout leaves little room for error.
A small mistake can trigger significant damage, loss of track time and a diversion of resources away from performance development. Consequently, confidence, precision and disciplined execution will be vital throughout the weekend. "We expect any of the top four teams to be capable of winning in Baku, with the midfield pack also closing the gap, and we hope to be firmly in the fight at the front," Marshall concluded.
The event schedule is packed. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference will start at 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2 pm. Thursday, September 24, features early‑morning F2 practice at 6.55 am, the first Azerbaijan GP practice at 9 am (with the session officially beginning at 9.30 am), and a series of qualifying and press events throughout the day. Friday, September 25, includes the F2 sprint, the third practice session for the Grand Prix, the F2 feature race, and the crucial qualifying session for the Azerbaijan GP at 1 pm, followed by Ted's Qualifying Notebook at 3 pm.
Saturday, September 26, sees the second F2 feature race in the morning, the Grand Prix start at 12 pm, and post‑race coverage including the chequered‑flag reaction and Ted's Notebook in the afternoon. All sessions will also be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event. The race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW – a contract‑free option that can be cancelled at any time.
This Saturday race marks the start of a triple‑header of events in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, and McLaren hopes that the combination of fresh upgrades, the return of the H‑Wing, and the unique demands of the Baku circuit will allow them to challenge for the top step of the podium once again.