McLaren have announced that they will introduce another batch of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race to evolve into a four‑way showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and their own team. The British outfit, which has struggled to secure a win in any of the first ten rounds of the 2026 season, appears to be finding its stride again. 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 resurgence can be largely credited to McLaren's relentless development programme. The MCL40 has received a steady stream of aerodynamic and mechanical parts throughout the year, and these incremental improvements have collectively lifted the car back into the mix for podium finishes. In the team's official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unusually, will be held on a 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 Madrid package, 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 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 their championship hopes being slim – with Kimi Antonelli leading the Drivers' Championship and Mercedes comfortably ahead in the Constructors' standings – McLaren remain motivated to keep pushing 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 boasts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, demanding low‑drag efficiency, while also featuring a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test mechanical grip and braking stability. Marshall believes this mix will produce 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 will be a critical factor, 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 noted. The street circuit leaves little margin for error; a single mis‑step can result in costly damage, loss of track time and a diversion of resources away from performance upgrades. "Confidence, precision and disciplined execution will be essential throughout the weekend," he warned. McLaren expect any of the top four teams – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and themselves – to have a realistic chance of taking the win, while the midfield pack is also closing 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 support series and media events. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference starts at 11:00 am, followed by the paddock uncut at 2:00 pm.
Thursday sees F2 practice at 6:55 am, the first Azerbaijan GP practice session at 9:30 am, and the F2 qualifying later in the morning. The team bosses' press conference is slated for noon, with the second practice session beginning at 1:00 pm and the F1 Show at 2:15 pm. Friday's agenda includes the F2 sprint at 5:10 am, the third practice session at 9:30 am, and the F2 feature race at 11:10 am, before moving into the qualifying build‑up and the actual qualifying session at 1:00 pm. Saturday, September 26, will host the second F2 feature race at 7:55 am, followed by the Grand Prix start at 10:30 am.
The race itself will run around midday, with post‑race analysis and the chequered‑flag reaction scheduled for the early afternoon. For fans watching from home, the race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 and streamed via NOW, with the flexibility of a no‑contract subscription that can be cancelled at any time. The shift to a Saturday race adds an extra layer of excitement to the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, kicking off a triple‑header of events that promises high‑octane action across three consecutive weekends.
McLaren's new upgrades, combined with the demanding nature of the Baku circuit, set the stage for a potentially historic win that could finally break their winless streak and re‑establish them as serious contenders in the championship battle.