McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh set of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, and they expect the race to evolve into a four‑horse battle involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a long winless stretch that spanned the first ten rounds of the 2026 season, the defending world champions are finally showing signs of resurgence.
Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed win came at the Madrid Grand Prix when a virtual safety car was deployed at an inopportune moment, stripping him of a potential victory. The team’s development programme has been a key factor in this turnaround.
Continuous improvements to the MCL40 have steadily lifted the car’s performance envelope, allowing McLaren to re‑enter the fight for podiums and wins. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – a race that this year will be held on a Saturday instead of the customary Sunday – the outfit confirmed that new aerodynamic components will be fitted, and that the rotating "H‑Wing" element, which was absent from the car 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 team 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, despite the fact that McLaren's championship hopes have become increasingly slim – with Kimi Antonelli dominating the Drivers' Championship and his Mercedes squad sitting comfortably at the top of the Constructors' table – the team remains eager to push the development envelope. "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." Baku presents a unique test for any Formula 1 car. The circuit boasts the longest straight on the calendar, stretching over 2.2 kilometres, followed by a series of tight, low‑speed corners that demand a very different aerodynamic setup compared with the high‑downforce tracks earlier in the season.
Marshall believes this mix will produce an entertaining showdown 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 a critical factor, especially given the long straight that can push engines to their thermal limits.
"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," Marshall 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." The team is confident that any of the four front‑runners – McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari or Red Bull – could claim victory in Baku, and they also acknowledge that the midfield pack is closing 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 race weekend schedule is packed with supporting events.
On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference will start at 11:00 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2:00 pm. Thursday, September 24, sees early‑morning Formula 2 practice at 6:55 am, then the first Azerbaijan GP practice session at 9:30 am, with F2 qualifying later in the morning.
The team bosses' press conference is slated for noon, and the second practice session begins at 1:00 pm. The day wraps up with "The F1 Show" at 2:15 pm.
Friday, September 25, features the F2 sprint race in the early morning, followed by the third GP practice at 9:30 am. The F2 feature race runs at 11:10 am, and the qualifying build‑up starts at 12:30 pm, leading into the official Azerbaijan GP qualifying at 1:00 pm. The day concludes with Ted's Qualifying Notebook at 3:00 pm.
Saturday, September 26, the second F2 feature race kicks off at 7:55 am, with the Grand Prix itself beginning at 10:30 am. The main event – the Azerbaijan Grand Prix – will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with the race start slated for midday. Post‑race analysis, including a Chequered Flag reaction segment, will follow at 2:00 pm, and Ted's Notebook will wrap up the coverage at 3:00 pm.
All sessions, including the F2 races, will also be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event. This weekend marks a rare Saturday race for Formula 1, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans. Viewers can stream Sky Sports via NOW, with no long‑term contract required and the ability to cancel at any time. The 2026 Formula 1 season continues to deliver high‑octane action, and McLaren's fresh upgrades could prove decisive in turning the Baku street circuit into a stage for a historic four‑way duel for victory.