McLaren have announced that they will introduce further upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race in Baku to turn into a four‑way showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a winless start to the season – the first ten rounds passed without a victory for the reigning world champions – the team has begun to find its stride. 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 during the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.
The British outfit has demonstrated a strong capacity for development throughout the year. Continuous improvements to the MCL40 have been a key factor in restoring the car to a competitive level capable of challenging for race wins. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which this year will be held on a Saturday instead of the traditional Sunday – McLaren confirmed that new aerodynamic components will be fitted, and that the rotating "H‑Wing" – first seen in Monza – will make a return after being absent in Madrid. "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 the slim odds of clinching the championship – with Kimi Antonelli leading the Drivers' Championship and Mercedes comfortably ahead in the Constructors' standings – McLaren remains eager to press on with its development programme. "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 excitement among the leading teams.
It features the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, demanding top‑end speed, while also incorporating a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test a car's mechanical grip and driver precision. Marshall believes this mix will produce an engaging contest. "Baku will provide another valuable test of the MCL40 across a very different range of characteristics," he added.
Energy management will be crucial, especially given the length of the main straight and the subsequent cold brakes and tyres as the cars approach Turn 1. "Energy deployment, tyre and brake management will be particularly important," 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." He also underscored the belief that any of the top four teams – McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull – could claim victory in Baku, while the midfield squads are 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," Marshall concluded. The weekend schedule is packed with action. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference will start at 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2 pm. Thursday, September 24, sees early‑morning F2 practice at 6.55 am, then the first F1 practice session at 9 am (officially starting at 9.30 am).
The day continues with F2 qualifying, the team bosses' press conference, the second practice session, and the F1 show at 3 pm. Friday, September 25, features the F2 sprint, the third practice session, the F2 feature race, and the build‑up to qualifying, which will take place at 1 pm, followed by Ted's Qualifying Notebook at 3 pm. Finally, Saturday, September 26, hosts the second F2 feature race, the Grand Prix build‑up, the main race itself at midday, post‑race reaction at 2 pm, and another edition of Ted's Notebook at 3 pm. All sessions will also be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW – a contract‑free service that can be cancelled at any time. This race marks the start of a triple‑header of events in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, and the shift to a Saturday race adds an extra layer of intrigue for fans and teams alike. McLaren's commitment to bringing fresh upgrades and re‑introducing the H‑Wing demonstrates their determination to stay in the mix, even as the championship battle intensifies. The combination of a high‑speed straight, demanding brakes, and a tight street layout promises a race where strategic precision, aerodynamic efficiency, and driver skill will be put to the test, potentially reshaping the early narrative of the 2026 season.