McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh batch of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race in Baku to evolve into a four‑horse showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and their own team. After a season that began with a ten‑race winless streak, the reigning Constructors' Champions have started to find their rhythm.
Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed win came as a result of an untimely virtual safety car deployment during the previous race in Madrid. The team’s relentless development programme has been a key factor in their resurgence. Continuous improvements to the MCL40 have helped lift the car back into the mix for podiums and potential victories. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unusually, will be held on a Saturday instead of the traditional Sunday – McLaren confirmed that new aerodynamic components will be fitted, and that the rotating "H‑Wing" that debuted at 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 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, even though the championship battle appears heavily tilted toward Mercedes and their driver Kimi Antonelli, McLaren remain eager 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. "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 street circuit presents a unique set of challenges. It boasts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, demanding top‑end speed, while also featuring a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test a car's mechanical grip and braking stability.
Marshall believes these contrasting characteristics will produce an entertaining contest among the leading teams. "Baku will provide another valuable test of the MCL40 across a very different range of characteristics," he 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." He was confident that any of the top four manufacturers could claim victory, and that the midfield pack was 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. Beyond the technical updates, the weekend schedule is packed with supporting series and media events.
Wednesday, September 23, will feature a Drivers' Press Conference at 11 am followed by a Paddock Uncut session at 2 pm. Thursday, September 24, starts early with an F2 practice at 6:55 am, then the first Azerbaijan GP practice session at 9:30 am, F2 qualifying at 10:55 am, and a team bosses' press conference at noon.
The second practice begins at 1 pm, followed by the F1 Show at 2:15 pm. Friday, September 25, brings the F2 sprint race at 5:10 am, the third GP practice at 9:30 am, and the F2 feature race at 11:10 am. Qualifying for the Grand Prix is slated for 1 pm, with the official qualifying session commencing at 1 pm as well, and a post‑qualifying analysis segment at 3 pm. Saturday, September 26, sees the second F2 feature race at 7:55 am, the main Grand Prix start at 10:30 am, and a build‑up show at noon.
The race will conclude with the chequered flag at 2 pm, followed by a reaction segment at 3 pm. All sessions will also be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks the first Saturday race of the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, kicking off a triple‑header of events that week.
Viewers in the UK can watch the action live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW – a contract‑free service that can be cancelled at any time. The combination of fresh aerodynamic upgrades, the return of the H‑Wing, and the demanding nature of the Baku circuit sets the stage for a thrilling contest where McLaren hope to turn their recent development momentum into a race win, and to keep the fight for podiums alive against the sport's traditional powerhouses.