McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh package of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a race that is set to become a four‑horse showdown involving the team alongside Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a season that began with a winless streak across the first ten rounds, the reigning World Constructors' Champions have started to find their rhythm.
Lando Norris, in particular, has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed win to date was the result of an ill‑timed virtual safety car deployment during the previous race in Madrid. The team's ability to develop the MCL40 on a continual basis has been a key factor in their resurgence. Regularly applied aerodynamic and mechanical upgrades have helped lift the car back into the mix for podiums and potential victories. In their official preview for the Baku event – which this year will be held on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – McLaren confirmed that new components will be fitted and that the distinctive rotating "H‑Wing" element, first seen in Monza, will return after being omitted in Madrid.
"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 outfit said in a statement. "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 elaborated on the rationale behind persisting with development despite the fact that their championship hopes are now slim. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leads the Drivers' Championship, while his team sits comfortably at the top of the Constructors' standings, leaving McLaren in a catch‑up position.
Marshall explained, "With regulatory continuity into next season and the competition at the front so close, our motivation to keep developing the car remains high. 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 City Circuit presents a unique set of challenges that make it an ideal testing ground for the MCL40's versatility. It boasts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, stretching over 2.2 kilometres, which rewards low drag and high top‑speed configurations. At the same time, the track features a series of tight, low‑speed corners that demand strong mechanical grip and precise handling.
Marshall expects this blend of extremes to generate an "entertaining competition" among the leading teams, as drivers will need to manage energy deployment, tyre wear and brake temperatures across a circuit that can be both forgiving and brutally unforgiving. "Baku will provide another valuable test of the MCL40 across a very different range of characteristics," Marshall added. "Energy management and 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. 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. 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 schedule for the weekend is packed, beginning with a drivers' press conference on Wednesday, September 23, at 11:00 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2:00 pm.
Thursday sees the start of Formula 2 practice at 6:55 am, with the first F1 practice session slated for 9:30 am, and a series of qualifying sessions for both categories throughout the day. Friday features the F2 sprint race in the morning, a third F1 practice session at 9:30 am, and the crucial qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at 1:00 pm, after which the team will lock in its final race setup. Saturday, September 26, will host the F2 feature race in the morning and the Grand Prix itself at midday, with post‑race analysis and reaction segments scheduled for the afternoon.
All events will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with additional streaming options available via NOW, allowing fans to watch without a long‑term contract and with the flexibility to cancel at any time. The shift to a Saturday race adds an extra layer of excitement to the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, as it kicks off a triple‑header of races that will keep viewers engaged throughout the weekend. In summary, McLaren's decision to roll out further aerodynamic upgrades and re‑introduce the H‑Wing demonstrates their commitment to staying competitive, even when the championship battle appears to be leaning towards Mercedes.
By focusing on fine‑tuning the MCL40 for the distinctive demands of Baku—balancing low‑drag efficiency on the long straight with high‑downforce stability through the twisty sections—McLaren aims to position itself as a genuine contender for the race win. With the four top teams all within striking distance, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises to be a high‑stakes, high‑action event where strategic acumen, driver skill and technical innovation will all play decisive roles.