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 winless start to the season – the first ten Grands Prix passed without a victory for the reigning Constructors' Champions – the team has begun to find its rhythm. Lando Norris has secured 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 previous race at Madrid.
The British outfit has once again demonstrated the value of a relentless development programme. Continuous improvements to the MCL40 have been a key factor in returning the car to the front of the pack and making it a genuine contender for race wins.
In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unusually, will be held on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – McLaren confirmed that new components will be fitted and that the rotating "H‑Wing" – first seen in Monza – will make a comeback after being omitted from the Madrid setup. "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 looks increasingly one‑sided – with Kimi Antonelli dominating the Drivers' Championship and his Mercedes squad comfortably leading the Constructors' standings – 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 City Circuit presents a unique blend of challenges that should test the MCL40 in ways the team has not yet encountered this year.
The track features the longest straight on the F1 calendar, demanding low drag for top speed, while also incorporating a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test mechanical grip and braking stability. Marshall believes this combination will produce an "entertaining competition between the top teams" and provide a valuable data set for the British squad.
"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." Marshall concluded with confidence in the team's competitive prospects: "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." This optimism reflects McLaren's belief that the new aerodynamic package, combined with the reinstated H‑Wing, will give them the straight‑line speed needed on the 6.003‑km main straight while preserving enough downforce for the twisty sections.
The weekend schedule is packed, beginning with a drivers' press conference on Wednesday, September 23, at 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2 pm. Thursday, September 24, will see early‑morning Formula 2 practice, the first F1 practice session at 9:30 am, and the team bosses' press conference at noon. The second practice session starts at 1 pm, and the day ends with the F1 Show at 3 pm. Friday, September 25, features the Formula 2 sprint race in the morning, the third F1 practice at 9:30 am, and the F2 feature race later in the day.
Qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is slated for 1 pm, followed by a post‑qualifying analysis with Ted's Qualifying Notebook at 3 pm. Saturday, September 26, the day of the Grand Prix, kicks off with the second F2 feature race at 7:55 am, the main race start at 10:30 am, and a post‑race reaction segment at 2 pm. The event will also be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event, with additional coverage on Sky Sports F1 and the NOW streaming platform, allowing fans to watch without a long‑term contract. In summary, McLaren are entering Baku with fresh aerodynamic upgrades, a re‑installed H‑Wing, and a clear intention to fight for the win despite the odds stacked against them in the championship.
Their development ethos, combined with the distinctive demands of the Baku circuit, sets the stage for a potentially thrilling four‑way battle among the sport's elite teams.