McLaren have announced that they will introduce further upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a race they expect to turn into a four‑horse showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a winless start to the season – ten races without a victory – the defending constructors' champions have begun to find their rhythm.
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 was deployed at an inopportune moment, halting his momentum. The team’s development programme has once again proven its worth.
Continuous improvements to the MCL40 have played a pivotal role in returning the outfit to the front‑running pack. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which this year is scheduled for Saturday rather than the customary Sunday – McLaren confirmed that new components will be fitted and that the rotating "H‑Wing" element, which was absent from the car in Madrid, will make a comeback. "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 rationale behind persisting with development despite the fact that the championship picture looks increasingly bleak for McLaren. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli currently dominates the Drivers' Championship, and his team sits comfortably at the top of the constructors' standings. Nevertheless, Marshall stressed that the continuity of the technical regulations into the following year, combined with the razor‑thin margins separating the front‑running teams, keep the motivation to evolve the car very high. "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." Baku presents a unique set of challenges. The circuit boasts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, stretching over a kilometre, followed by a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test a car's mechanical grip and braking stability. 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 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." The team is confident that any of the four front‑runners – McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull – could claim victory, and they note that the midfield pack is also closing the gap. Their goal is to be firmly in the mix at the front, leveraging the new aerodynamic parts and the reinstated H‑Wing to gain an edge on the high‑speed straight while maintaining stability through the slower sections. The weekend schedule is packed.
On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference will take place at 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2 pm. Thursday, September 24, sees early‑morning Formula 2 practice at 6.55 am, then the Azerbaijan GP practice session begins at 9.30 am. Later in the day, the F2 qualifying session, the team bosses' press conference and the second practice for the Grand Prix are slotted in, with the F1 Show at 2.15 pm.
Friday, September 25, features the F2 sprint, the third practice for the Grand Prix, the F2 feature race, and the qualifying build‑up leading to the official qualifying session at 1 pm. Saturday, September 26, will host the second F2 feature race, the Grand Prix start at 12 pm and the post‑race reaction at 2 pm, capped by Ted's notebook at 3 pm. All events will also be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks the beginning of a triple‑header of races in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, and this time the main event is held on a Saturday, a departure from the traditional Sunday slot.
Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports F1 via the NOW streaming service, which offers a flexible, contract‑free subscription that can be cancelled at any time. In summary, McLaren are entering Baku with fresh aerodynamic upgrades, the re‑introduction of the H‑Wing, and a clear intention to fight for podium positions despite the odds stacked against them in the championship. Their development philosophy, combined with the demanding nature of the Baku street circuit, promises an exciting contest where strategic energy use, tyre and brake preservation, and flawless execution will be the decisive factors in determining which team crosses the line first.