McLaren have announced that they will introduce further upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a race where they expect a tight four‑way contest for the win against Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a long winless stretch that saw the reigning champions miss out on a victory in the first ten rounds of the 2026 season, the team appears to be finding its rhythm again. Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events and was only denied a third win in Madrid when a virtual safety car intervened at an inopportune moment. The British outfit has once more demonstrated its capacity for rapid development, rolling out a steady stream of parts for the MCL40 that have helped lift the car back into the fight for podiums and race wins.
In their official preview for the Baku round – which this year is scheduled for Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – McLaren confirmed that a fresh batch of aerodynamic components will be fitted, and that the rotating "H‑Wing" element, which was absent in Madrid, will make a return. "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, despite their championship hopes being slim – with Kimi Antonelli leading the Drivers' Championship and Mercedes comfortably ahead in the Constructors' standings – the team remains eager to push forward with development. "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 City Circuit presents a unique set of challenges that suit McLaren's development philosophy. The track features the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, allowing cars to reach very high top‑speed, followed by a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test braking stability and mechanical grip.
This combination forces teams to find a delicate aerodynamic balance between low drag for the straight and sufficient downforce for the twisty sections. Marshall believes this mix will produce entertaining battles 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, especially given the long straight that leads into a cold, slow Turn 1. Drivers will need to optimise their ERS deployment to maximise straight‑line speed while preserving enough charge for the heavy braking zones later in the lap. Tyre and brake temperatures will also be a focal point; the cars arrive at the first corner after a high‑speed run, meaning the brakes and tyres are relatively cool and can be prone to lock‑ups or loss of grip. "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," Marshall warned. McLaren's strategy for the weekend includes a thorough evaluation of the new parts during the three practice sessions. The team will compare data from the upgraded aerodynamic package and the reinstated H‑Wing against the baseline configuration used in Madrid.
If the new components deliver the expected gains in straight‑line speed without compromising cornering stability, they will likely be retained for qualifying and the race. Otherwise, the team may revert to the proven setup that has already shown pace in recent events.
The broader context of the weekend also features a packed schedule of support series and media events. The F2 practice and qualifying sessions will run alongside the F1 activities, providing additional track time for teams to gather data on surface conditions and weather patterns. Press conferences are slated for Wednesday afternoon and Thursday midday, where team principals and drivers will discuss their expectations. The qualifying session itself is set for early Saturday afternoon, followed by the main race at midday.
For fans, the race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW without a long‑term contract. The shift to a Saturday race adds an extra layer of excitement, as the weekend’s climax arrives a day earlier than usual, compressing the action and potentially influencing team strategies regarding tyre allocation and car set‑up.
In summary, McLaren head into Baku with fresh aerodynamic upgrades, the return of the H‑Wing, and a clear ambition to be among the front‑runners in what promises to be a tightly contested sprint to the finish line. While the championship battle may be dominated by Mercedes and Ferrari, the British team’s relentless development pace and the unique demands of the Baku circuit could see them challenge for the top step of the podium, turning the race into a four‑way showdown that fans will not want to miss.