McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh package of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, and they expect the race to evolve into a four‑horse showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a winless start to the first ten rounds of the 2026 season, the defending World Constructors' Champions have begun to find their stride.
Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events and was only denied a third win at the previous round in Madrid when a virtual safety car intervened at an inopportune moment. The team’s development programme has once again proven its potency.
Continuous refinements to the MCL40 have played a pivotal role in thrusting McLaren back into the mix for podium finishes. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – a Saturday race rather than the customary Sunday – the outfit confirmed that new aerodynamic components will be fitted and that the rotating "H‑Wing" element, which was absent 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 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 explained that, despite their championship hopes being slim – Kimi Antonelli dominates the Drivers' Championship and his Mercedes squad sits comfortably at the top of the constructors' table – the team remains eager to push the car forward. "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 extremes. It hosts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, allowing cars to reach top speeds exceeding 360 km/h, before plunging into a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test braking stability and mechanical grip.
Marshall believes these contrasting demands will generate an exciting tactical 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 will be crucial. The long straight followed by a heavy braking zone into Turn 1 means that drivers must carefully balance fuel flow, ERS deployment and tyre temperatures.
"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," Marshall explained. "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." McLaren are confident that any of the four front‑running teams – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and themselves – could claim the win, while the chasing pack is narrowing 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," Marshall concluded.
The weekend schedule is packed. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference will open the day at 11:00 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2:00 pm. Thursday, September 24, starts early with an F2 practice at 6:55 am, then the first Azerbaijan GP practice session at 9:30 am, F2 qualifying at 10:55 am, and a team bosses' press conference at noon.
The second practice begins at 1:00 pm, with the F1 Show at 2:15 pm. Friday, September 25, features the F2 sprint at 5:10 am, the third practice at 9:30 am, the F2 feature race at 11:10 am, and the build‑up to qualifying at 12:30 pm, before the crucial qualifying session at 1:00 pm.
The day wraps with Ted’s Qualifying Notebook at 3:00 pm. Saturday, September 26, sees the second F2 feature race at 7:55 am, followed by the Grand Prix start at 10:30 am. Sunday will host the post‑race build‑up at noon, the official race finish and chequered flag ceremony at 2:00 pm, and finally Ted’s Notebook recap at 3:00 pm. All sessions marked with an asterisk will also be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event.
For fans, the race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 and can be streamed via NOW without a long‑term contract, offering the flexibility to cancel at any time. The Saturday timing adds a fresh dynamic to the weekend, giving viewers an earlier climax to the race weekend. McLaren’s upgraded package, the return of the H‑Wing, and the demanding nature of the Baku circuit set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling contest among the sport’s elite, with the possibility of an upset or a surprise winner still very much alive.