McLaren have announced that they will bring a fresh batch of upgrades to the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, and they are confident that the race will evolve into a four‑way contest for the top step of the podium, with Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull also in the mix. The team’s statements make clear that the new parts are designed to boost the aerodynamic efficiency of the MCL40, and that the distinctive rotating "H‑Wing" element, which was first seen in Monza, will return to the car after being omitted from the Madrid sprint weekend. The British outfit has endured a long winless streak, having failed to secure a race victory in the first ten rounds of the 2026 season. Nevertheless, the reigning Constructors' Champions have shown signs of life in recent weeks.
Lando Norris has captured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed win came as a result of an ill‑timed virtual safety car in the most recent race at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Madrid. Those performances suggest that the team’s development programme is finally bearing fruit. McLaren’s engineering department has been relentless in bringing incremental upgrades to the MCL40 throughout the campaign.
Each new component – ranging from revised front wing endplates to a re‑shaped rear diffuser – has contributed to a measurable gain in downforce and a reduction in drag, helping the car to close the gap to the front‑running squads. The upcoming Baku package is expected to continue that trend, with a particular emphasis on improving straight‑line speed for the city circuit’s famously long main straight, which stretches over 2.2 kilometres and is the longest on the modern F1 calendar. In a formal preview released by the team, McLaren outlined their upgrade philosophy for the weekend. "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 statement read.
It went on to note that the H‑Wing, which debuted at Monza and proved useful on a high‑speed layout, will be reinstated for a track where drag reduction can make a decisive difference. The team also emphasized that all new components will be tested during the practice sessions, allowing engineers to fine‑tune the car’s setup for both qualifying and the race itself.
Chief Technical Officer and Chief Designer Rob Marshall explained that, despite the fact that McLaren’s chances of clinching the Constructors' title have become increasingly remote – with Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes holding a comfortable lead in both the Drivers' and Constructors' standings – the squad remains motivated 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.
He added that the team must balance the current development work with the design of the 2027 car, but that the immediate priority is to extract as much performance as possible from the MCL40 in the remaining races of 2026. The Baku City Circuit presents a unique set of challenges that differ markedly from the high‑downforce tracks the team has visited recently. Its layout combines a very long straight with a series of tight, low‑speed corners and a handful of high‑speed sweepers. This mix tests a car’s aerodynamic balance, energy‑recovery strategy, tyre management and brake cooling.
Marshall highlighted that energy deployment will be crucial, especially when approaching Turn 1 after the long straight, where the brakes and tyres are still relatively cold. "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," he explained. McLaren’s outlook is realistic yet optimistic.
The team believes that any of the four leading manufacturers – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren – have a realistic shot at winning in Baku, while the midfield pack is also closing the performance 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," the press release concluded.
The race weekend schedule is packed, beginning with a drivers' press conference on Wednesday, September 23, followed by a series of practice sessions for both F2 and F1 throughout Thursday and Friday. Qualifying is slated for Friday afternoon, with the Grand Prix itself taking place on Saturday, September 26, at midday – a departure from the usual Sunday slot.
The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 and streamed via NOW, allowing fans to watch the action without a long‑term contract. In summary, McLaren’s latest upgrade package, the reinstated H‑Wing, and a focused development strategy aim to put the British team back into contention for race wins.
While the championship battle may already be decided in favour of Mercedes, the Baku Grand Prix offers a perfect stage for McLaren to showcase the progress they have made, to challenge the front‑runners, and perhaps to secure a much‑needed victory before the season draws to a close.