McLaren have announced that they will introduce further upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race to evolve into a 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 reigning Constructors' 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 so far was caused by an ill‑timed virtual safety car during the previous race in Madrid.
The squad’s relentless development programme has been a key factor in their resurgence. Continuous enhancements to the MCL40 have helped propel the team back into the mix for podium finishes. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unlike most races, will be held on a Saturday rather than a Sunday – McLaren confirmed that new components will be fitted and that the rotating "H‑Wing" element, which was absent in Madrid, will make a return.
"As part of the team's ongoing evolution throughout the 2026 season, we will bring to Baku a package of upgrades designed to boost the aerodynamic performance of the MCL40," the team statement read. "In addition, the H‑Wing that debuted in Monza will be reinstated on a circuit where drag reduction can play a decisive role. As with previous outings this year, all fresh parts will be tested during practice before we finalise our qualifying and race set‑up for the weekend." Chief Technical Officer and Chief Designer Rob Marshall explained that, despite their title hopes being slim – Kimi Antonelli leads the Drivers' Championship and his Mercedes outfit enjoys a comfortable margin in the Constructors' standings – the team remains motivated to keep developing the car. "With regulatory continuity into next year and the front‑running competition so close, our drive to improve the car stays high," Marshall said.
"We must juggle this with work on the 2027 car, but our immediate focus is to extract more performance and chase further wins in 2026, while carrying forward everything we learn." The Baku street circuit presents a unique set of challenges. It features the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, paired with a series of tight, low‑speed corners. This mix tests both aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical grip, and Marshall believes it will produce entertaining on‑track battles among the top teams.
"Baku will be another valuable test of the MCL40 across a very different range of characteristics," he added. Energy management will be crucial on the long straight, as will tyre and brake handling when the cars arrive at Turn 1 with relatively cold components after the high‑speed run. "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 expressed confidence that any of the four leading teams could claim victory in Baku, noting that the midfield pack is also narrowing 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 will take place at 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2 pm.
Thursday, September 24, starts early with the F2 practice at 6.55 am, then the Azerbaijan GP practice one at 9 am (officially starting at 9.30 am). The day continues with F2 qualifying, the team bosses' press conference, practice two and the F1 Show in the afternoon. Friday, September 25, features the F2 sprint in the morning, followed by practice three for the Grand Prix, the F2 feature race, and the build‑up to Azerbaijan GP qualifying, which begins at 1 pm. The qualifying session itself is slated for 1 pm, with Ted's Qualifying Notebook airing at 3 pm.
Saturday, September 26, begins with the second F2 feature race at 7.55 am, then the Grand Prix build‑up, and finally the main event – the Azerbaijan Grand Prix – kicking off at noon. Post‑race coverage includes the chequered‑flag reaction at 2 pm and Ted's Notebook at 3 pm.
All sessions marked with an asterisk will also be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event. The race will be held on a Saturday, a departure from the usual Sunday format, and will be part of a triple‑header weekend for Sky Sports F1. Viewers can stream the action via NOW, with no long‑term contract required and the option to cancel at any time.
This Saturday's Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises a thrilling mix of high‑speed drama on the long straight and technical challenges through the narrow city streets, and McLaren will be eager to see whether their latest upgrades can translate into a podium finish or even a win against the sport's traditional powerhouses.