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‑way showdown for the win, with Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull also in the mix. After a long spell without a victory – the reigning champions have not stood atop the podium in any of the first ten rounds of the 2026 season – the team appears to be finding its rhythm again. Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed win came when a virtual safety car was deployed at an inopportune moment in the previous race at Madrid, costing him a potential third triumph.
The McLaren outfit has once again demonstrated a strong capacity for development. Continuous improvements to the MCL40 have been a key factor in pushing the car back into the front‑running pack. In the official preview for the Baku weekend – which is being held on a Saturday rather than the customary Sunday – the team confirmed that new aerodynamic components will be fitted, and that the rotating "H‑Wing" element, which was omitted in Madrid, will return to the car. The H‑Wing, first seen at Monza, is designed to reduce drag on circuits with long straights, a characteristic that makes it particularly relevant for the Baku street circuit, home to the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar.
"As part of our ongoing development programme throughout the 2026 campaign, we will bring a package of upgrades to Baku aimed at enhancing the aerodynamic performance of the MCL40," the team statement read. "In addition, the H‑Wing that debuted in Monza will be re‑installed on a track where drag reduction can make a decisive difference.
As has been our practice at previous rounds, all new parts will be tested during the practice sessions before we decide on the final qualifying and race set‑up for the weekend." Chief Technical Officer and Chief Designer Rob Marshall explained that, despite the fact that McLaren's title hopes have dwindled – Kimi Antonelli and his Mercedes squad dominate both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships – the team remains motivated to keep pushing the car forward. "With regulatory continuity into next year and the front‑running teams so closely matched, our incentive to keep developing the car stays high," Marshall said. "We have to balance this work with the development of our 2027 car, but our immediate priority is to extract more performance and chase further wins in 2026, while carrying forward the lessons we learn today." The Baku circuit presents a unique blend of challenges.
Its 6.003‑kilometre layout combines the longest straight in Formula 1 with a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test a car's braking stability, tyre management and aerodynamic efficiency. Marshall expects these contrasting demands to produce an exciting battle among the leading teams. "Baku will be another valuable test of the MCL40 across a very different set of characteristics," he added.
"Energy management and deployment will be crucial, as will tyre and brake handling, because the cars arrive at Turn 1 after a long high‑speed run with those components still relatively cold." He also warned that the street nature of the circuit leaves little room for error. "A small mistake can lead to significant damage, loss of track time and a diversion of resources away from performance.
Therefore confidence, precision and disciplined execution will be essential throughout the weekend. We anticipate any of the top four teams could win in Baku, and the midfield is closing the gap, so we aim to be firmly in the fight at the front." The event schedule is packed, beginning with a drivers' press conference on Wednesday, September 23, at 11:00 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2:00 pm. Thursday, September 24, features early‑morning Formula 2 practice, the first Formula 1 practice session at 9:30 am, and a series of qualifying and press events throughout the day.
Friday, September 25, includes the Formula 2 sprint, the third practice session for the Grand Prix, the F2 feature race, and the crucial qualifying session for the Azerbaijan GP, which starts at 1:00 pm. Saturday, September 26, marks the race day, with the F2 feature race in the morning, the Grand Prix build‑up, and the main race itself slated for 12:00 pm local time, followed by post‑race analysis and commentary.
All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, with additional coverage available via the NOW streaming service, which offers a contract‑free option that can be cancelled at any time. The shift to a Saturday race adds a fresh dynamic to the weekend, fitting into a triple‑header of races that Sky Sports F1 is delivering throughout the week. In summary, McLaren are entering Baku with a clear upgrade package aimed at improving aerodynamic efficiency, particularly through the reintroduction of the H‑Wing. Their development momentum, combined with Norris's recent qualifying pace, suggests they could be serious contenders for a podium finish, even if the championship battle is now largely decided in favour of Mercedes.
The combination of a long straight, demanding braking zones and a tight street layout promises a thrilling contest, where strategic energy deployment, tyre management and flawless execution will separate the winners from the rest. McLaren's ambition is to be among the four teams capable of taking the checkered flag, and to keep the momentum building as the season progresses toward its climax.