McLaren have announced that they will introduce further upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race in Baku 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 reigning world champions have begun to rediscover their form.
Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed win so far came as a result of an untimely virtual safety car deployment in the previous race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The team’s recent development programme has been particularly effective. Continuous aerodynamic and mechanical updates to the MCL40 have helped lift the car back into the mix for podium finishes. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unusually, will be held on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – McLaren confirmed that new components will be fitted and that the rotating "H‑Wing" element, which was omitted in Madrid, will be reinstated for the street circuit.
"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 their championship hopes being slim – with Kimi Antonelli leading the Drivers' Championship and Mercedes comfortably ahead in the Constructors' standings – McLaren remain eager to push development 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 circuit presents a unique blend of challenges that should test the MCL40's versatility. The track features the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, demanding low drag and high top‑speed efficiency, while also containing several tight, low‑speed corners that require strong mechanical grip and precise handling. 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. The long straight means drivers will be tempted to run the engine at full power, but they must conserve fuel for the latter stages of the race and for the mandatory pit stop.
Brake and tyre temperatures will also be a concern, as cars arrive at Turn 1 after a high‑speed run with relatively cold brakes and tyres, increasing the risk of lock‑ups or loss of grip. "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 warned.
McLaren expect any of the four top teams – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and themselves – to have a realistic chance of winning in Baku, while the rest of the field is expected to close the gap as the season progresses. "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," the team concluded.
The race weekend schedule is packed. On Wednesday, September 23, a drivers' press conference will take place at 11:00 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2:00 pm. Thursday, September 24, starts early with a Formula 2 practice at 6:55 am, then the first Azerbaijan GP practice session at 9:30 am, followed by F2 qualifying, a team bosses' press conference at noon, and the second GP practice at 1:00 pm. The day ends with the F1 Show at 2:15 pm.
Friday, September 25, features a Formula 2 sprint race at 5:10 am, the third GP practice at 9:30 am, the F2 feature race at 11:10 am, and the qualifying build‑up at 12:30 pm. The official Azerbaijan GP qualifying session begins at 1:00 pm, followed by Ted's Qualifying Notebook at 3:00 pm. Saturday, September 26, sees the second Formula 2 feature race at 7:55 am, the Grand Prix start at 10:30 am, and the race itself at midday.
Post‑race coverage includes a reaction segment at 2:00 pm and Ted's Notebook at 3:00 pm. All sessions will also be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event. The 2026 Formula 1 season continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix forming part of a triple‑header of races this week.
Viewers can stream the action via NOW without a long‑term contract and cancel at any time. The Baku race, scheduled for Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday slot, promises high‑speed drama, strategic intrigue, and a genuine chance for McLaren to add another victory to their 2026 campaign.