McLaren have announced that they will introduce another batch of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a race that they expect to turn into a four‑way showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a long winless stretch that covered the first ten rounds of the season, the defending world champions are finally hitting form. Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events and was only denied a third victory in Madrid when a virtual safety car was deployed at an inopportune moment, costing him the lead.
The team’s relentless development programme has been a key factor in this resurgence. Continuous refinements to the MCL40 have steadily lifted the car’s performance, pushing it back into the mix for race wins. In the official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unlike most races, will be held on a Saturday – McLaren confirmed that fresh aerodynamic components will be fitted and that the distinctive rotating "H‑Wing" will make a return after being omitted in the previous round at Madrid.
"As part of the team's ongoing evolution throughout the 2026 campaign, 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 at Monza, will be reinstated on a circuit where drag reduction can be decisive. As in earlier events this season, all new parts will be tested during practice before we lock in our qualifying and race setups for the weekend." Chief Technical Officer and Chief Designer Rob Marshall explained that, despite their championship hopes being slim – with Kimi Antonelli leading the Drivers' Championship and Mercedes comfortably ahead in the Constructors' standings – McLaren remain motivated to push the car forward. "With the regulatory framework staying the same for next year and the front‑running teams so closely matched, our incentive to keep developing the car is high," Marshall said.
"We have to balance this with work on next season's car, but our immediate focus is on extracting more performance and fighting for additional victories in 2026 while carrying forward everything we learn." The Baku street circuit presents a unique blend of challenges that could level the playing field. It features the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, demanding low drag for top speed, while also incorporating several tight, low‑speed corners that test a car's mechanical grip and braking stability. Marshall believes this mix will generate entertaining battles 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 on the long straight, as drivers must balance full‑throttle deployment with the need to preserve tyre and brake temperatures for the heavy braking zones that follow.
"Energy deployment and tyre and brake management will be particularly important, as the cars arrive at Turn 1 after the long straight with these areas relatively cold," Marshall noted. "On a narrow street circuit there is very little margin for error – a small mistake can lead to significant repairs, loss of track time and a diversion of resources away from performance. Confidence, precision and disciplined execution will be essential throughout the weekend." McLaren expect any of the top four teams – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and themselves – to have a realistic shot at victory in Baku, while the chasing pack is also closing the gap. "We hope to be firmly in the fight at the front," Marshall concluded.
The race weekend schedule is packed. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference will take place at 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2 pm.
Thursday, September 24, begins with an early‑morning F2 practice at 6:55 am, then the Azerbaijan GP practice session starts at 9:30 am, with F2 qualifying later in the morning. A team bosses' press conference is slated for noon, followed by the second practice session at 12:30 pm, and the F1 Show at 2:15 pm.
Friday, September 25, features the F2 sprint at 5:10 am, the third practice for the Grand Prix at 9:30 am, and the F2 feature race at 11:10 am. Qualifying for the Azerbaijan GP will run from 12:30 pm to 1 pm, with the official qualifying session beginning at 1 pm. Ted's Qualifying Notebook will be broadcast at 3 pm. Saturday, September 26, sees the second F2 feature race at 7:55 am, followed by the Grand Prix start at 10:30 am.
The main race will be run on Saturday rather than the usual Sunday, with the event kicking off at midday. Post‑race coverage, including a reaction segment and Ted's Notebook, will follow in the early afternoon. All sessions marked with an asterisk will also be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is part of a triple‑header of races this week, and viewers can watch live on Sky Sports F1 via the NOW streaming service, which offers a flexible, contract‑free subscription that can be cancelled at any time. This Saturday race promises high‑speed drama, strategic nuance, and the chance for McLaren to prove that their latest upgrades can translate into a podium finish, or perhaps even a long‑awaited victory, in the challenging streets of Baku.