McLaren have announced that they will introduce further upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a race that they expect to turn into a four‑way showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a long winless streak that stretched across the first ten rounds of the 2026 season, the reigning constructors' champions have finally begun to find their rhythm. Lando Norris, in particular, has been a standout, securing three pole positions in the last four events and missing out on a third win only because a virtual safety car was deployed at an inopportune moment during the previous race in Madrid. The team’s recent resurgence can be largely credited to a relentless development programme.
The MCL40 has received a steady stream of parts throughout the year, and each new component has helped to lift the car back into the realm of race‑winning potential. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which this year will be held on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – McLaren confirmed that fresh aerodynamic pieces will be fitted and that the distinctive rotating "H‑Wing" will make a return after being absent 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 team statement read.
"Additionally, the H‑Wing, which debuted in Monza, will be back in action on a track where 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 – Kimi Antonelli leads the drivers' standings and Mercedes sits comfortably at the top of the constructors' table – McLaren remain motivated to push development 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 could level the playing field. It boasts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, demanding top‑end speed, while also featuring a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test a car's mechanical grip and braking stability. Marshall believes these contrasting characteristics 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 will be crucial on the 6.003‑km lap, especially given the long straight leading into Turn 1 where the cars arrive with relatively cold brakes and tyres. "Energy deployment, tyre and brake management will be particularly important," 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." The team is confident that any of the four front‑runners – McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari or Red Bull – could claim 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 event schedule is packed with supporting action. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference will begin at 11:00 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2:00 pm. Thursday, September 24, sees early‑morning F2 practice at 6:55 am, followed by the first Azerbaijan GP practice session at 9:30 am, and a series of qualifying sessions for both F2 and F1 later in the day. Friday, September 25, includes the F2 sprint race, the final practice session for the Grand Prix, and the crucial F1 qualifying that will determine the starting grid for Saturday’s race.
The main event, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, will kick off on Saturday, September 26, at 10:30 am, with the race itself slated for midday. Post‑race analysis, including a chequered‑flag reaction and Ted’s notebook, will follow in the afternoon. All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with additional coverage available via the NOW streaming platform, which offers a contract‑free, cancel‑anytime option. The shift to a Saturday race adds a fresh dynamic to the weekend, giving fans an early glimpse of the season’s climax before the traditional Sunday finale.
In summary, McLaren’s decision to bring new aerodynamic parts and re‑introduce the H‑Wing reflects their determination to stay competitive despite a challenging championship landscape. The unique demands of the Baku circuit – a blend of high‑speed straights and technical street sections – promise to test every aspect of the MCL40, from aerodynamics to energy strategy. With four top teams poised to fight for the win, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is set to deliver a thrilling, closely contested race that could reshape the narrative of the 2026 Formula 1 season.