McLaren have announced that they will introduce another batch of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a race where they expect a tight four‑horse contest involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a winless start to the season – the first ten rounds passed without a victory for the reigning champions – the team has begun to find its rhythm. Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed win came when a virtual safety car was deployed at an inopportune moment during the previous race in Madrid. The squad’s ability to develop the MCL40 on a regular basis has been a key factor in their resurgence.
Continuous aerodynamic and mechanical refinements have steadily lifted the car back into the realm of race‑winning potential. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unlike most rounds, will be held on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – McLaren confirmed that new components will be fitted and that the rotating "H‑Wing" element, which was absent from the Madrid outing, will make a return. "As part of the team's ongoing evolution throughout the 2026 campaign, we will bring to Baku a package of upgrades designed to enhance the aerodynamic efficiency of the MCL40," the team statement read. "In addition, the H‑Wing, first seen in Monza, will be reinstated on a circuit where drag reduction can be decisive.
As with previous events this season, all fresh parts will be tested during practice before finalising the qualifying and race set‑up for the weekend." Chief Technical Officer and Chief Designer Rob Marshall elaborated on the rationale behind persisting with development despite the slim title prospects. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli currently dominates the Drivers' Championship, and his team sits comfortably at the top of the Constructors' standings, leaving McLaren with a long road to the championship. Nevertheless, Marshall stressed that the continuity of regulations into the next season and the narrow margins separating the front‑running teams keep the motivation high.
"With the rulebook staying largely the same for 2027 and the competition at the front being incredibly close, our drive to keep improving the car remains strong," Marshall explained. "We must also allocate resources to the next year's project, but our immediate priority is to extract more performance now and chase further 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 Formula 1 calendar, demanding low drag, while also featuring a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test a car's mechanical grip and braking stability.
Marshall believes this mix will foster an entertaining showdown among the top teams. "Baku will serve as a valuable test of the MCL40 across a very different set of characteristics," he added. "Energy management and deployment will be crucial, as will tyre and brake preservation, because the cars arrive at Turn 1 after the long straight with those components still relatively cold.
Operationally, there is almost no margin for error on a narrow street circuit – a small mistake can lead to costly repairs, loss of track time and a diversion of resources away from performance. Confidence, precision and disciplined execution will be essential throughout the weekend." Marshall is confident that any of the four leading teams – McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari or Red Bull – could claim the win, while the midfield pack is 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," he concluded.
The event schedule is packed. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference kicks off at 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2 pm. Thursday, September 24, sees early‑morning F2 practice at 6.55 am, then the first Azerbaijan GP practice session at 9 am (officially starting at 9.30 am).
Later that day, the F2 qualifying session runs at 10.55 am, the team bosses' press conference at noon, and the second GP practice begins at 12.30 pm (starting at 1 pm). The F1 Show airs at 2.15 pm. Friday, September 25, begins with the F2 sprint at 5.10 am, followed by the third GP practice at 9.15 am (again starting at 9.30 am). The F2 feature race takes place at 11.10 am, then a build‑up to qualifying at 12.30 pm, with the Azerbaijan GP qualifying session slated for 1 pm and a post‑qualifying analysis at 3 pm.
Saturday, September 26, the final day of the weekend, starts with the second F2 feature race at 7.55 am, then a build‑up to the Grand Prix at 10.30 am. The main event, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, begins at noon, followed by a reaction segment at 2 pm and Ted's Notebook at 3 pm. All sessions marked with an asterisk are also broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event. This Saturday race marks a rare Saturday Grand Prix in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, part of a triple‑header of races that will be streamed live on Sky Sports F1 via the NOW platform, offering a contract‑free, cancel‑anytime viewing option.