McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh package of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race in Baku to turn into a four‑way showdown 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 constructors' champions – the team appears to be finding its stride again. 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, cutting his lead and forcing a strategic shuffle. The steady stream of development parts that McLaren have fitted to the MCL40 over recent weeks has been a key factor in reviving their competitive edge.
In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unlike most races, will be held on a Saturday rather than a Sunday – the team confirmed that a number of new aerodynamic components will be on the car, and that the rotating "H‑Wing" first seen in Monza will return after being omitted from the Madrid set‑up. "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 McLaren 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, even though the championship battle looks increasingly one‑sided – with Kimi Antonelli leading the Drivers' Championship and his Mercedes squad 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 set of challenges that suit McLaren's development philosophy.
It features the longest straight on the F1 calendar, stretching over 2.2 kilometres, followed by a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test a car's mechanical grip and braking stability. Marshall believes this mix will generate an entertaining battle among the top 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 a circuit where full‑throttle sections are followed by heavy braking zones.
"Energy deployment and tyre and brake management will be particularly important, as the cars arrive 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." McLaren expect any of the four leading teams – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and themselves – to have a realistic shot at 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 will start at 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2 pm.
Thursday, September 24, sees early‑morning F2 practice at 6.55 am, the first F1 practice session at 9 am (officially starting at 9.30 am), and a series of qualifying and press events throughout the day. Friday, September 25, includes the F2 sprint, the final F1 practice, and the crucial qualifying session for the Grand Prix, which begins at 1 pm. Saturday, September 26, is the race day, with the F2 feature race in the morning and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix itself slated for a midday start, followed by post‑race analysis and commentary.
For fans wishing to follow the action live, Sky Sports Main Event will broadcast the entire weekend, with additional coverage available via the NOW streaming service – a contract‑free option that can be cancelled at any time. The decision to run the Grand Prix on a Saturday adds a fresh dynamic to the weekend, giving viewers an earlier climax and fitting neatly into the triple‑header of races that the 2026 Formula 1 calendar currently features. In summary, McLaren are entering Baku with a clear upgrade plan, a renewed sense of optimism after a string of strong qualifying performances, and a realistic belief that they can contend for the top step of the podium.
The combination of a high‑speed straight, demanding braking zones, and the ever‑present risk of street‑circuit incidents promises a thrilling contest, and the team’s technical staff are ready to fine‑tune the MCL40 in practice before committing to a race‑day set‑up. Whether they can translate their recent progress into a win remains to be seen, but the stage is set for an exciting showdown among the sport’s elite.