McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh set of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, and they expect the race to turn into a four‑horse showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a barren start to the season – the defending Constructors' Champions failed to win any of the first ten rounds – the team appears to have found its stride. Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed win came at the last minute when a virtual safety car was deployed in Madrid, stripping him of a potential victory.
The resurgence can be largely credited to McLaren's aggressive development programme. The MCL40 has been receiving a steady stream of aerodynamic and mechanical parts throughout the year, and these incremental improvements have propelled the squad back into the hunt for podiums and race wins.
In the official preview for the Baku weekend, which unusually takes place on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday, the team confirmed that new components will be fitted and that the rotating "H‑Wing" – first seen in Monza – will make a return after being omitted from the Madrid package. "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 McLaren press release 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 the slim chances of clinching the championship – Kimi Antonelli is leading the Drivers' standings and Mercedes sits comfortably at the top of the Constructors' table – the team remains motivated 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's versatility.
It features the longest straight on the current Formula 1 calendar, where top speed and low drag are crucial, followed by a series of tight, low‑speed corners that demand high downforce and mechanical grip. This contrast makes energy management, tyre wear and brake temperatures critical factors. "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," 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." Marshall believes the circuit will act as a valuable laboratory for the MCL40, allowing the team to gauge how the car behaves across a wide spectrum of aerodynamic demands. "Baku will provide another valuable test of the MCL40 across a very different range of characteristics," he added. The expectation is that any of the four leading teams – McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull – could take the win, 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 race weekend schedule is packed with support series and media events. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference will kick off at 11:00 am, followed by the paddock uncut at 2:00 pm.
Thursday, September 24, sees early‑morning Formula 2 practice at 6:55 am, then the Azerbaijan GP practice session at 9:30 am, and a series of qualifying and press events throughout the day. Friday, September 25, includes the F2 sprint race, a third practice session for the Grand Prix, and the crucial qualifying session for the main race at 1:00 pm. Saturday, September 26, hosts the second F2 feature race and the Grand Prix itself, slated to start around midday, with post‑race analysis and commentary scheduled for the afternoon.
For fans wishing to follow the action live, the event will be broadcast on Sky Sports F1 and streamed via the NOW platform, offering a contract‑free, cancel‑anytime option. The shift to a Saturday race adds an extra layer of excitement, as it creates a triple‑header weekend of Formula 1 racing, with Baku acting as the middle leg of the sequence. In summary, McLaren's commitment to continuous development, the reintroduction of the H‑Wing, and the strategic focus on extracting performance from the MCL40 set the stage for a highly competitive showdown in Baku. The unique demands of the circuit, combined with a tightly contested field, promise an exhilarating race where strategic precision, technical ingenuity and driver skill will all be put to the test.
The team hopes that the upgrades will not only deliver immediate gains but also feed valuable data into the design of their 2027 car, ensuring that the lessons learned in Azerbaijan contribute to long‑term success.