McLaren have announced that they will introduce further upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race in Baku 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 constructors' champions are finally hitting form.
Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed victory so far was the result of an ill‑timed virtual safety car during the previous race in Madrid. The team’s development programme has once again demonstrated its potency. Continuous improvements to the MCL40 have been a key factor in restoring McLaren to the front of the pack and making them genuine contenders for race wins. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unusually, will be staged on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – the outfit 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, we will bring to Baku a set of upgrades aimed at improving the aerodynamic performance of the MCL40," the team statement read. "Additionally, the H‑Wing, which made its first appearance in Monza, will be back in action on a circuit where drag reduction can be a decisive factor. As has been our approach at previous stops this year, all new parts will be evaluated during practice before we finalise our qualifying and race set‑up for the weekend." Chief Technical Officer and Chief Designer Rob Marshall explained that, even though McLaren's championship aspirations have been severely curtailed by Kimi Antonelli's dominant lead in the Drivers' Championship and Mercedes' comfortable margin at the top of the constructors' table, the team remains 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 blend of challenges. It hosts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, allowing cars to reach top speeds exceeding 350 km/h, while also featuring a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test braking stability and low‑speed grip. Marshall believes this mixture will generate an entertaining battle 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 on the long straight, where drivers must balance full‑throttle deployment with the need to conserve tyre and brake temperatures for the heavy braking zone into Turn 1.
"Energy deployment and tyre and brake management will be particularly important, as the cars arrive at Turn 1 after the long straight with these areas relatively cold," Marshall noted. "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." McLaren expect any of the four top teams – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and themselves – to have a realistic chance of winning in Baku, and they also see the midfield pack 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. The event schedule is packed.
On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference will start at 11:00 am, followed by the paddock uncut at 2:00 pm. Thursday, September 24, features an early F2 practice at 6:55 am, the first Azerbaijan GP practice session at 9:30 am, and a series of qualifying sessions for both F2 and F1 later in the day, culminating in the Team Bosses' Press Conference at noon. Friday, September 25, includes the F2 sprint, the third practice session for the Grand Prix, and the F1 qualifying session at 1:00 pm, with additional analysis from Ted's Qualifying Notebook at 3:00 pm. Saturday, September 26, sees the second F2 feature race in the morning, the Grand Prix start at 10:30 am and the race itself at midday, followed by post‑race reaction and commentary.
All sessions will also be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event. The race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW – a contract‑free service that can be cancelled at any time.
This weekend’s Baku Grand Prix marks the start of a triple‑header of races in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, and McLaren are keen to turn their recent development momentum into a podium finish, or even a victory, against the sport's traditional powerhouses. Their upgraded MCL40, the re‑introduction of the H‑Wing, and a focused approach to energy and tyre management could prove decisive on the high‑speed, high‑risk streets of Azerbaijan.