McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh batch 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, Red Bull and their own team. After a long winless streak that stretched across the first ten rounds of the 2026 season, the defending constructors' champions appear to be finding their rhythm again. Lando Norris has already secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed opportunity for a win came when a virtual safety car was deployed at an inopportune moment during the previous race in Madrid, effectively erasing his advantage. The resurgence can be largely credited to McLaren's aggressive development programme.
The MCL40 has received a steady flow of aerodynamic and mechanical updates throughout the season, and these incremental improvements have helped lift the car back into the mix for podium finishes. In their official preview for the Baku weekend—held on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday—the team confirmed that new components will be fitted and that the distinctive rotating "H‑Wing" element, which was omitted in Madrid, will be reinstated for the street circuit. The H‑Wing, first introduced at Monza, is designed to reduce drag on long straights, a feature that should be especially beneficial on Baku's famous 2.2‑kilometre straight. "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 motivation behind the ongoing development push. Despite the fact that McLaren's championship aspirations have dwindled—Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli currently dominates the Drivers' Championship and his team sits comfortably at the top of the constructors' table—McLaren remain eager to extract every ounce of performance from their current car. "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 could amplify the impact of the new upgrades. The track features the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, demanding low drag and high top‑speed efficiency, while also incorporating a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test a car's mechanical grip and braking stability.
Marshall believes this mix will produce an entertaining contest among the leading teams. "Baku will provide another valuable test of the MCL40 across a very different range of characteristics," he explained. Energy management will be a critical factor, especially given the long straight followed by a heavy braking zone into Turn 1, where brake and tyre temperatures can be relatively low after the high‑speed run. "Energy deployment and tyre management will be particularly important, as will brake management with the cars arriving 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 are confident that any of the four top teams—Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull or themselves—could claim victory in Baku, and they anticipate the midfield pack to be closing the gap as well. "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 affirmed.
The weekend schedule is packed with action. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference kicks off at 11:00 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2:00 pm. Thursday, September 24, features early‑morning F2 practice at 6:55 am, then the Azerbaijan GP practice sessions begin at 9:30 am and 1:00 pm respectively, interspersed with F2 qualifying and the team bosses' press conference.
Friday, September 25, includes the F2 sprint, the third practice session for the GP, and the crucial qualifying session at 1:00 pm, leading into the final build‑up to the race. Saturday, September 26, sees the F2 feature race, the Grand Prix itself at midday, and post‑race analysis including the chequered‑flag reaction and Ted's notebook.
All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with additional coverage on Sky Sports F1 and the streaming service NOW, which offers flexible contracts and the ability to cancel at any time. Fans can look forward to a thrilling Saturday race as the 2026 Formula 1 season continues its triple‑header of events, with Baku providing a dramatic backdrop for what promises to be a closely contested battle among the sport's elite teams.