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 showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a season that began with ten races without a win, the defending world champions have finally begun to rediscover their winning form. Lando Norris, in particular, has been on a tear, securing three pole positions in the last four events and only missing out on a third victory when a virtual safety car intervened at the previous round in Madrid. The team’s resurgence can be largely credited to their relentless development programme.
The MCL40 has received a steady stream of aerodynamic and mechanical enhancements throughout the year, each iteration narrowing the performance gap to the front‑running cars. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which unusually takes place on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – McLaren confirmed that new components will be fitted, and that the rotating "H‑Wing" that debuted at Monza will return after being omitted in Madrid. "As part of our ongoing evolution during the 2026 campaign, we will bring to Baku a package of upgrades designed to boost the aerodynamic efficiency of the MCL40," the team statement read.
"The H‑Wing, first seen in Monza, will be reinstated on a circuit where drag reduction can make a decisive difference. As with previous events this season, all new parts will be tested throughout practice before we lock in our qualifying and race set‑up for the weekend." Chief Technical Officer and Chief Designer Rob Marshall explained that, despite their championship hopes being slim – Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes dominate the drivers' and constructors' standings – the squad remains motivated to push the car forward.
"With the regulations staying largely the same next year and the front‑running teams so closely matched, our incentive to keep developing is very high," Marshall said. "We have to juggle this work with the development of next year’s car, but our immediate priority is to extract more performance now and chase further victories in 2026, while feeding everything we learn into the future project." Baku’s street circuit presents a unique blend of challenges. It hosts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, demanding low drag for top speed, while also featuring a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test a car’s mechanical grip and braking stability. Marshall believes this mix will produce an exciting battle among the top teams.
"Baku will be another valuable test of the MCL40 across a very different set of characteristics," he added. "Energy management and deployment will be crucial, as will tyre and brake handling – the cars arrive at Turn 1 after the long straight with relatively cold brakes and tyres." The narrow margins of a street circuit mean that any mistake can quickly turn costly.
A small error may lead to a damaged front wing, a puncture or even a brake failure, forcing teams to divert valuable resources away from performance upgrades. "Confidence, precision and disciplined execution will be essential throughout the weekend," Marshall warned. "We expect any of the top four – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull or McLaren – to be capable of taking the win, and the midfield is closing the gap, so we aim to be firmly in the mix at the front." The weekend schedule is packed. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers’ press conference will start at 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2 pm.
Thursday, September 24, features early‑morning F2 practice, the first F1 practice session at 9:30 am, and F2 qualifying later in the morning. The team bosses’ press conference is slated for noon, with the second F1 practice beginning at 1 pm, and the F1 show at 2:15 pm. Friday, September 25, includes the F2 sprint, the final F1 practice at 9:30 am, and the F2 feature race. Qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will take place at 1 pm, followed by a post‑qualifying analysis at 3 pm.
Saturday, September 26, sees the second F2 feature race in the morning and the Grand Prix itself at midday, with post‑race reaction and analysis in the afternoon. All sessions will also be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event. For fans, the race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 and streamed via NOW, offering a contract‑free option that can be cancelled at any time.
The shift to a Saturday race adds an extra layer of excitement, as the Baku Grand Prix kicks off a triple‑header of events this week, marking another milestone in the 2026 Formula 1 season. McLaren’s upgraded package and the return of the H‑Wing promise to keep the team in the hunt for a win, and with the field so evenly matched, spectators can expect a thrilling, high‑stakes contest on Baku’s iconic streets.