McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh batch of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race to evolve into a four‑horse contest involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a winless start to the season – ten races without a victory – the defending champions have begun to rediscover their pace. Lando Norris, who has secured three pole positions in the last four events, was denied a third win only because a virtual safety car intervened at an inopportune moment in the previous race at Madrid. The team’s development programme has once again shown its potency.
Continuous enhancements to the MCL40 have been a key factor in lifting the car back into the realm of race‑winning contenders. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which unusually takes place on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – McLaren revealed that new components will be fitted and that the rotating "H‑Wing" will make a return after being absent in Madrid.
The H‑Wing, first seen at Monza, is expected to provide a drag‑reduction benefit on Baku’s exceptionally long straight, the longest on the Formula 1 calendar. "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 their title hopes having dwindled – Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes now dominate both the Drivers' and Constructors' championships – McLaren remains eager 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 circuit presents a unique blend of extremes: a 5.5‑kilometre street layout that includes the longest straight on the calendar, followed by a series of tight, low‑speed corners. This combination tests both aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical grip, and Marshall believes it will generate 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 will be critical, especially on the long straight where cars reach top speed before braking hard for Turn 1, a corner that is often cold after the high‑speed run.
Tire and brake temperatures will also be a concern, as the sudden transition from full‑throttle to heavy braking can cause uneven wear. "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," Marshall warned. He emphasized that any of the top four teams – McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull – could claim victory in Baku, and that 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 race weekend schedule is packed. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference starts at 11:00 am, followed by the paddock uncut at 2:00 pm. Thursday, September 24, features early‑morning F2 practice at 6:55 am, the first Azerbaijan GP practice session at 9:30 am, and a series of qualifying sessions for both F2 and F1 throughout the day, culminating in the team bosses' press conference at noon.
Friday, September 25, includes the F2 sprint, the final practice session for the Grand Prix, and the F1 qualifying at 1:00 pm, with a post‑qualifying analysis at 3:00 pm. Saturday, September 26, the main event unfolds with the F2 feature race in the morning, the Grand Prix start at 12:00 pm, and post‑race reaction and analysis in the afternoon. All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix also available via the NOW streaming service, which offers a contract‑free, cancel‑anytime option.
This marks the first time in 2026 that a Formula 1 race will be held on a Saturday, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans worldwide. The combination of a high‑speed straight, technical street sections, and a tightly packed schedule promises a thrilling showdown that could reshape the narrative of the season, especially for a McLaren squad determined to prove that they can still fight for wins even when the championship battle appears out of reach.