McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh set of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race to unfold as a four‑way 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 champions – the team appears to be finding its stride again.
Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed win so far was caused by an ill‑timed virtual safety car during the previous race in Madrid. The progress McLaren has shown this year can be largely attributed to a relentless development programme. The MCL40 has received a steady stream of aerodynamic and mechanical upgrades, each iteration narrowing the performance gap to the front‑running cars. In the team’s official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unusually, will be held on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – McLaren confirmed that a number of new components will be fitted, and that the rotating "H‑Wing" element, first seen at Monza, will return after being omitted in Madrid.
"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 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 the fact that their championship hopes have dwindled – Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes now dominate both the Drivers' and Constructors' standings – McLaren remains motivated to keep developing the car. "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.
It hosts the longest straight on the F1 calendar, allowing cars to reach top speeds in excess of 360 km/h, before plunging into a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test braking stability and mechanical grip. 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 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, the street circuit leaves little room for error.
A small mistake can result in a puncture, a damaged front wing or a costly repair that eats into valuable track time. "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. "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." Beyond the technical aspects, the weekend schedule is packed with supporting series and media events.
The programme begins on Wednesday, September 23, with a drivers' press conference at 11:00 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2:00 pm. Thursday sees the start of Formula 2 action at 6:55 am, with practice, qualifying and the F2 feature race interspersed with the first two F1 practice sessions and the team bosses' press conference.
Friday includes the F2 sprint, the final F1 practice, and the crucial qualifying session for the Grand Prix, which will determine the starting grid for the Saturday race. The weekend culminates on Sunday with post‑race analysis, a chequered‑flag reaction segment and the usual fan‑focused content.
For fans wishing to follow the action live, the race will be broadcast on Sky Sports F1 and streamed via the NOW platform, offering a contract‑free option that can be cancelled at any time. The Saturday timing – with the Grand Prix starting around midday – means a slightly different viewing rhythm compared with the usual Sunday slot, but it also adds a sense of immediacy to the weekend's narrative. In summary, McLaren’s decision to bring additional aerodynamic upgrades, including the re‑introduction of the H‑Wing, signals their intent to remain competitive despite the odds stacked against them in the championship. The Baku circuit’s blend of high‑speed straights and technical sections should amplify any performance gains, potentially allowing the team to challenge the traditional front‑runners.
With the race set to be a true four‑way contest, the stakes are high, and McLaren appears ready to seize any opportunity to climb back onto the podium.