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 reigning World Constructors' Champions have finally started to find their rhythm. Lando Norris has secured pole position in three of the last four events, and his only missed opportunity for a third victory came when a virtual safety car was deployed at an inopportune moment during the previous race in Madrid. The team’s ability to develop the MCL40 on a regular basis has been a key factor in their resurgence.
Continuous aerodynamic and mechanical enhancements have lifted the car back into the mix for podium finishes and potential wins. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which unusually takes place on a Saturday rather than the customary Sunday – McLaren disclosed that new 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 elaborated on the motivation behind the ongoing development push, even though the championship battle appears heavily tilted toward Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli and his team, who sit comfortably at the top of both the Drivers' and Constructors' standings. "With regulatory continuity into next season and the competition at the front so close, our motivation to keep developing the car remains high," Marshall explained. "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 that suit McLaren's testing philosophy. It boasts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, allowing cars to reach extreme top speeds, but it also features a series of tight, low‑speed corners that demand precise handling and strong braking performance.
Marshall believes this mix 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 said. Energy management will be a critical factor, especially given the length of the main straight and the need to preserve tyre life for the heavy braking zones that follow. "Energy 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," Marshall added.
"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." The team is confident that any of the top four manufacturers – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren – could claim victory in Baku, while the midfield pack continues to close 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 weekend schedule is packed with supporting events, 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, September 24, features early‑morning Formula 2 practice at 6:55 am, the first F1 practice session at 9:30 am, and a series of qualifying sessions for both categories. The day also includes a team bosses' press conference at noon and a second F1 practice at 1:00 pm, culminating in the F1 Show at 2:15 pm. Friday, September 25, brings the Formula 2 sprint race in the morning, followed by the third F1 practice at 9:30 am, the F2 feature race at 11:10 am, and a build‑up to the Grand Prix qualifying at 12:30 pm.
The qualifying itself is slated for 1:00 pm, with post‑qualifying analysis in Ted's Qualifying Notebook at 3:00 pm. Saturday, September 26, is the main event day. The Formula 2 feature race starts at 7:55 am, and the Grand Prix itself kicks off at 10:30 am, with the race running through the midday period.
After the checkered flag at around 2:00 pm, there will be a reaction segment and a final notebook recap at 3:00 pm. All sessions will also be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event.
This Saturday race marks a rare shift in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be run a day earlier than usual, forming the centerpiece of a triple‑header weekend that also includes supporting Formula 2 action. Fans can watch the live coverage on Sky Sports F1, streamed via NOW with a flexible, no‑contract subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
The combination of a high‑speed straight, technical corners, and the potential for a four‑way fight makes the Baku Grand Prix one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the season, and McLaren appear ready to seize the opportunity with their new upgrades and renewed confidence.