McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh batch of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race to evolve into a four‑horse contest involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a long stretch without a win – the team has not stood on the top step of the podium in any of the first ten rounds of the 2026 season – the reigning constructors' champions appear to be finding their rhythm again. Lando Norris has secured pole position in three of the last four events and was only denied a third victory in Madrid when a virtual safety car intervened at an inopportune moment, highlighting how close the team is to returning to winning form.
The resurgence can be largely credited to McLaren's relentless development programme. The MCL40 has received a steady stream of aerodynamic and mechanical parts throughout the year, each iteration shaving off precious tenths of a second and gradually restoring the car’s competitiveness. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unlike most Grands Prix, is scheduled for Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – the team disclosed that a new suite of components will be fitted, and that the distinctive rotating "H‑Wing" – first seen at Monza – will make a comeback after being omitted in Madrid.
The H‑Wing, a device designed to reduce drag on long straights, could prove decisive on Baku’s 6.003‑kilometre circuit, which boasts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar. "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 elaborated on the strategic rationale behind pushing forward with development despite the increasingly slim odds of clinching the championship. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli currently dominates the Drivers' Championship, and his team sits comfortably at the top of the constructors' table, leaving McLaren with a steep hill to climb. Yet Marshall stressed that the continuity of regulations into the next season, combined with the razor‑thin margins separating the front‑running outfits, keep the motivation to refine the car at a high level. "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 blend of challenges that test a car's versatility. Its signature feature is the ultra‑long main straight, where top speeds exceed 350 km/h, followed by a series of tight, low‑speed corners that demand heavy braking and rapid direction changes. This combination forces teams to strike a delicate balance between low drag for straight‑line speed and sufficient downforce for the twisty sections. Marshall believes that the circuit will serve as a valuable laboratory for the MCL40, exposing the car to a wide spectrum of aerodynamic demands.
"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.
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 concluded that any of the four leading teams – McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari or Red Bull – could realistically capture the win, while the midfield pack continues to close 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 with supporting events. On Wednesday, September 23, a drivers' press conference will take place at 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut at 2 pm. Thursday, September 24, starts early with the F2 practice session at 6.55 am, then the Azerbaijan GP practice one at 9 am (officially beginning at 9.30 am).
The day continues with F2 qualifying, the team bosses' press conference, practice two and the F1 Show. Friday, September 25, features the F2 sprint, practice three, the F2 feature race, and the crucial qualifying sessions for the Grand Prix, with the official qualifying slated for 1 pm.
Saturday, September 26, sees the second F2 feature race, the Grand Prix start at 10.30 am, and post‑race coverage including the chequered flag reaction and Ted's notebook. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and streamed via NOW, allowing fans to watch without a long‑term contract. Overall, McLaren's decision to bring additional aerodynamic upgrades and re‑introduce the H‑Wing underscores their commitment to staying competitive in a season where the top positions are fiercely contested. By fine‑tuning the MCL40 for the unique demands of Baku, the team aims not only to challenge for the win this weekend but also to gather data that will inform the design of their 2027 car.
With a blend of technical ingenuity, strategic planning and driver skill, McLaren hopes to turn the tide in their favour and add another victory to their storied history.