McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh batch of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a race that promises a tightly contested four‑horse battle involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a winless start to the season – the first ten Grands Prix passed without a victory for the defending champions – the team appears to have found its stride.
Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed win came as a result of an ill‑timed virtual safety car during the previous round in Madrid. The squad’s relentless development programme has been a key factor in their resurgence.
Continuous aerodynamic and mechanical upgrades to the MCL40 have steadily lifted the car’s performance, thrusting McLaren back into the conversation for podiums and race wins. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unusually, will be held on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – the team confirmed the introduction of new components and the return of the rotating "H‑Wing" that was absent from the Madrid layout.
"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 having dwindled – Kimi Antonelli leads the Drivers' Championship for Mercedes and his team sits comfortably at the top of the Constructors' table – McLaren remain 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." Baku presents a unique test for the MCL40.
The circuit features the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, demanding low drag, while also incorporating a series of tight, low‑speed corners that require strong down‑force and mechanical grip. Marshall believes this mix will generate exciting on‑track battles 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, given the length of the main straight and the need to preserve tyre and brake performance 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. "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 top four manufacturers – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren – could claim the win, while the midfield pack continues to close 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.
On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference starts at 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut at 2 pm. Thursday, September 24, sees early‑morning F2 practice at 6:55 am, then the Azerbaijan GP practice sessions begin at 9:30 am, with qualifying for F2 later in the morning and the team bosses' press conference at noon.
The main Formula 1 qualifying session is slated for 1 pm, with Ted's Qualifying Notebook at 3 pm. Saturday, September 26, the Grand Prix itself kicks off at noon after a morning F2 feature race, and the day concludes with post‑race analysis and another notebook segment. All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, and fans can stream the coverage via NOW without a long‑term contract, cancelling at any time.
The Baku Grand Prix marks the start of a triple‑header of races this week, and with McLaren's new upgrades and the re‑introduction of the H‑Wing, the team is poised to challenge the traditional front‑runners on a circuit that rewards both outright speed and precise car control. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown in Azerbaijan, and McLaren appear eager to turn their recent development momentum into a race‑winning performance.