McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh set of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race to evolve into a four‑horse battle involving Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and their own team. After a season‑long drought that saw the defending world champions miss out on a win in the first ten rounds, McLaren appear to have found a rhythm. Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed victory so far came as a result of an ill‑timed virtual safety car during the previous race in Madrid. The team’s recent performance underscores the impact of continuous development.
The MCL40 has benefited from a steady stream of aerodynamic and mechanical updates, which have helped lift the car back into the mix for podium finishes. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which this year is scheduled for Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – McLaren confirmed that new components will be fitted and that the rotating "H‑Wing" element, first seen at Monza, will return after being absent in Madrid.
"As part of the team's ongoing evolution throughout the 2026 campaign, we will bring to Baku a package of upgrades designed to boost the aerodynamic efficiency 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 season, all new parts will be tested during practice before we lock in our qualifying and race set‑up for the weekend." Chief Technical Officer and Chief Designer Rob Marshall explained that, despite their championship aspirations being slim – with Kimi Antonelli leading the Drivers' Championship and Mercedes comfortably ahead in the Constructors' standings – McLaren remain motivated to push the car forward. "With regulatory continuity into next year and the front‑running teams so closely matched, our drive to keep developing the car stays high," Marshall said. "We have to juggle this with work on the 2027 car, but our immediate priority is to extract more performance and chase further wins in 2026, while carrying forward every lesson we learn." The Baku City Circuit presents a unique blend of challenges that should test the MCL40’s versatility. It features the longest straight on the F1 calendar, demanding low drag for top speed, while also containing a series of tight, low‑speed corners that require high downforce and mechanical grip.
Marshall believes this mix will foster an entertaining showdown 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 a critical factor, especially given the long straight leading into Turn 1, where brakes and tyres can be relatively cold after the high‑speed run. "Deploying the ERS at the right moments and preserving tyre life will be essential," Marshall noted. "Operationally, there is very little margin for error on a narrow street circuit. A small mistake can trigger costly repairs, loss of track time and divert resources away from performance.
Confidence, precision and disciplined execution will be vital throughout the weekend." McLaren expect any of the top four teams – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and themselves – to have a realistic shot at victory, while the midfield pack continues to close the gap. "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 kicks off at 11 am, followed by the paddock uncut at 2 pm. Thursday, September 24, sees early‑morning Formula 2 practice at 6:55 am, then the Azerbaijan GP practice session begins at 9:30 am, with F2 qualifying at 10:55 am, the team bosses' press conference at noon, and the second practice session at 12:30 pm (starting at 1 pm). The F1 Show follows at 2:15 pm.
Friday, September 25, starts with the F2 sprint at 5:10 am, then the third practice for the Grand Prix at 9:30 am, the F2 feature race at 11:10 am, and the build‑up to qualifying at 12:30 pm. Qualifying itself runs from 1 pm to 3 pm, ending with Ted's Qualifying Notebook. Saturday, September 26, the day of the race, opens with the second F2 feature race at 7:55 am, followed by the Grand Prix build‑up at 10:30 am.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix itself starts at 12 pm, with the chequered flag and post‑race reaction at 2 pm, and concludes with Ted's Notebook at 3 pm. All sessions are also streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event.
The race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW – a contract‑free option that can be cancelled at any time. This Saturday‑run Grand Prix marks the continuation of the 2026 Formula 1 season’s triple‑header, and McLaren are eager to translate their recent upgrades into a podium finish, hoping to break their winless streak and re‑establish themselves as genuine contenders in the championship battle.