McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh batch of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race in Baku to evolve into a four‑horse showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a winless start to the season – the first ten races passed without a victory for the defending World 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 to date was the result of an ill‑timed virtual safety car deployment during the previous weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. The progress McLaren have shown is largely a product of relentless development work. The MCL40 has received a steady stream of aerodynamic and mechanical enhancements since the season opened, and these incremental improvements have helped thrust the squad back into the mix for race wins.
In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unlike most rounds, is scheduled for Saturday instead of the traditional Sunday – the team confirmed that new components will be fitted and that the rotating "H‑Wing" – first seen in Monza – will make a return after being omitted from the Madrid package. "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 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, even though McLaren's championship hopes are now slim – Kimi Antonelli is dominating the Drivers' Championship and his Mercedes team sits comfortably at the top of the Constructors' table – the outfit remains hungry for progress. "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 City Circuit presents a unique test for any Formula 1 car.
It hosts the longest straight on the calendar, stretching over 2.2 kilometres, before plunging drivers into a series of tight, low‑speed corners through the historic part of the city. This combination of high‑speed aerodynamics and low‑speed mechanical grip makes the venue a perfect laboratory for the MCL40's upgraded aero package and the re‑introduced H‑Wing, which is intended to reduce drag on the long straight while still providing sufficient downforce for the twisty sections. Marshall highlighted the importance of energy management, tyre preservation and brake cooling on a circuit where cars arrive at Turn 1 after a full‑throttle run on a relatively cold surface. "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," he noted.
"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 narrow margins and high‑stakes environment should keep the top four teams – McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull – in close contention.
"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 said. The race weekend schedule is packed, beginning with a drivers' press conference on Wednesday, September 23, at 11 a.m., followed by a paddock uncut session at 2 p.m. Thursday sees F2 practice in the early morning, the first Formula 1 practice session at 9:30 a.m., and a series of qualifying and press events throughout the day. Friday includes the F2 sprint, a third practice session for the Grand Prix, and the crucial qualifying session for the Azerbaijan GP at 1 p.m., which will set the grid for the Saturday race.
The Grand Prix itself will start at midday on Saturday, with post‑race analysis and reaction shows scheduled for the afternoon. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available through NOW – a contract‑free service that can be cancelled at any time. The Saturday timing of the Baku race adds an extra layer of excitement to the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, kicking off a triple‑header of races and offering a fresh rhythm for viewers.
In summary, McLaren are arriving in Baku with a clear upgrade plan aimed at sharpening the MCL40's aerodynamic efficiency and restoring the H‑Wing to extract maximum straight‑line speed. While the championship battle may have narrowed, the team’s commitment to development remains unwavering, and they intend to leverage the distinctive characteristics of the Baku circuit to challenge the traditional front‑runners. With the stage set for a four‑way duel, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling showcase of engineering, strategy and driver skill.