McLaren have announced that they will bring a fresh batch of upgrades to the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race in Baku to evolve into a four‑horse showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a long spell without a win – the reigning Constructors’ Champions have failed to capture a victory in the first ten rounds of the 2026 season – 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 so far came when a virtual safety car was deployed at an inopportune moment in the recent Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. The McLaren outfit has once more demonstrated the value of relentless development.
Continuous upgrades to the MCL40 have been a key factor in lifting the car back into the mix for podiums and, potentially, wins. In the official preview for the Baku race – which this year is scheduled for Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday slot – the team confirmed that several new components will be introduced, and that the rotating "H‑Wing" that debuted in Monza 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, 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 elaborated on the rationale behind pushing forward with development despite the fact that McLaren's championship aspirations are now modest.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leads the Drivers' Championship, and his team sits comfortably at the top of the Constructors' table, leaving McLaren with a long way to climb. Nonetheless, Marshall stressed that the continuity of regulations into the next season and the razor‑thin margins at the front keep the motivation high.
"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 should test the MCL40 in ways that differ from most other venues. The track boasts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, allowing cars to reach top speeds, but it also features a series of tight, low‑speed corners that demand high downforce and mechanical grip.
Marshall believes this mixture will produce 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 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. 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." He concluded by emphasizing the openness of the competition: "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." The weekend schedule is packed. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference kicks off at 11:00 am, followed by the paddock uncut at 2:00 pm.
Thursday sees early‑morning Formula 2 practice at 6:55 am, then the first Azerbaijan GP practice session at 9:30 am, and a series of qualifying and press events throughout the day. Friday includes the F2 sprint, the third practice session for the Grand Prix, and the crucial qualifying session for the Azerbaijan race, slated for 1:00 pm.
Saturday, September 26, is the main event day: the F2 Feature Race 2 starts at 7:55 am, the Grand Prix build‑up begins at 10:30 am, and the race itself launches at noon, with post‑race analysis following later in the afternoon. For fans wanting to follow the action live, the race will be broadcast on Sky Sports F1 and streamed via NOW, with the flexibility of no‑contract, cancel‑anytime access.
The Saturday timing adds a fresh twist to the viewing schedule, fitting into a triple‑header of races that will keep the 2026 Formula 1 season moving at a rapid pace. In summary, McLaren's decision to introduce additional aerodynamic upgrades, including the re‑introduction of the H‑Wing, signals their intent to remain competitive despite a points deficit.
The distinctive nature of the Baku circuit – a blend of high‑speed straights and technical sections – should level the playing field and give all four leading teams a realistic chance at victory. With meticulous preparation during practice sessions and a focus on precision execution, McLaren aims to translate their development gains into tangible results, hoping to add another win to their tally and keep the championship battle lively as the season progresses.