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‑horse showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a winless start to the first ten rounds of the 2026 season, the defending world champions have begun to rediscover their pace.
Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed win came in Madrid when a virtual safety car was deployed at an inopportune moment, stripping him of a potential victory. The team’s relentless development programme has been a key factor in this resurgence. Continuous improvements to the MCL40 have steadily lifted the car’s performance envelope, allowing McLaren to re‑enter the battle for podiums and race wins. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unlike most Grand Prix, will be held on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – the outfit confirmed that fresh aerodynamic components will be fitted, and that the rotating "H‑Wing" introduced at Monza will return after being omitted from the Madrid weekend setup.
"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 explained that, despite the fact that McLaren's championship hopes have become increasingly slim – with Kimi Antonelli dominating the Drivers' Championship and his Mercedes squad sitting 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 McLaren believes will test the MCL40 in new ways. The track features the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, stretching over 2.2 kilometres, followed by a series of tight, low‑speed corners that demand excellent mechanical grip and precise car control. This combination forces teams to strike a delicate balance between low‑drag setups for top speed and sufficient downforce for the twisty sections.
Marshall highlighted the importance of energy management on the long straight, noting that optimal deployment of the hybrid power unit will be crucial. "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," he explained.
The cold brakes and tyres after the high‑speed run can lead to reduced grip, making the opening sector a potential hotspot for mistakes. Operationally, the street circuit leaves little room for error. A small misjudgment can result in a costly puncture, a damaged front wing, or a brake failure, each of which would demand extensive repairs and consume 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 added. Given the track’s characteristics, McLaren expects the race to be highly competitive. "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," he said. The team’s upgraded aerodynamics, combined with the reinstated H‑Wing, are designed to reduce drag on the straight while preserving enough downforce for the technical sections, potentially giving Norris and his teammate an edge in qualifying and race pace.
The weekend schedule is packed, starting with a drivers' press conference on Wednesday morning, followed by a series of practice sessions across the next three days. Friday will see the final practice and the crucial qualifying session, after which the grid will be set for the Saturday race. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 and streamed via NOW, offering fans the chance to watch the action without a long‑term contract. In summary, McLaren’s latest upgrade package aims to maximise aerodynamic efficiency and restore the MCL40’s competitiveness on a circuit that rewards both outright speed and meticulous car control.
While the championship battle may already be leaning heavily toward Mercedes, McLaren’s determination to extract every ounce of performance suggests that Baku could still produce a surprise winner, and the team is eager to be part of that story.