McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh package of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, and they expect the race to evolve into a four‑horse showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a season that began with a winless streak across the first ten events, the reigning champions have started to find their rhythm. Lando Norris, who has secured three pole positions in the last four rounds, was denied a third victory only by the ill‑timed deployment of a virtual safety car in the previous race at Madrid. The team’s ability to continuously develop the MCL40 has been a key factor in their resurgence.
Regularly applied aerodynamic and mechanical enhancements have lifted the car back into the mix for podium finishes. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which unusually takes place on a Saturday instead of the traditional Sunday – McLaren confirmed that new components will be fitted and that the rotating "H‑Wing" element, which was omitted in Madrid, will make a return.
The H‑Wing, first seen at Monza, is designed to reduce drag on circuits with long straights, and Baku’s 6.2‑kilometre main straight offers a perfect environment to exploit that advantage. "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 fact that McLaren's championship hopes have become increasingly remote – with Kimi Antonelli dominating the Drivers' Championship and his Mercedes squad leading the Constructors' standings – the team remains motivated to push development. "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 street circuit presents a unique blend of challenges. It boasts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, demanding top‑end speed, while also featuring a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test a car's mechanical grip and braking stability.
Marshall believes this combination will foster an exciting battle 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 crucial factor, especially given the long straight that leads into a heavy braking zone at Turn 1, where brakes and tires are relatively cold after the high‑speed run. "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." McLaren expect that any of the four front‑running teams – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and themselves – could claim victory, while the midfield pack is closing 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 event schedule is packed. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference starts at 11 a.m., followed by the paddock uncut at 2 p.m. Thursday sees early‑morning F2 practice at 6.55 a.m., the first Azerbaijan GP practice session at 9 a.m.
(officially starting at 9.30 a.m.), and the F2 qualifying later that morning. The team bosses' press conference is slated for noon, with the second GP practice beginning at 12.30 p.m. and the F1 Show at 2.15 p.m.
Friday includes the F2 sprint at 5.10 a.m., the third GP practice at 9.15 a.m., and the crucial qualifying session for the Grand Prix at 1 p.m., accompanied by Ted's Qualifying Notebook at 3 p.m. Saturday culminates with the F2 feature race at 7.55 a.m., the main Grand Prix build‑up at 10.30 a.m., the race itself at 12 p.m., and post‑race analysis later in the afternoon. Fans can watch the entire weekend live on Sky Sports F1, with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix broadcast as part of a triple‑header of races.
The race will be streamed via NOW, offering a contract‑free, cancel‑anytime option for viewers. This Saturday‑race format adds an extra layer of excitement, as teams must adapt their strategies to a slightly compressed timetable, making the battle for points and podium places even more intense. In summary, McLaren are entering Baku with fresh aerodynamic parts, the reinstated H‑Wing, and a clear intention to fight for the win despite the odds stacked against them in the championship standings.
Their development drive, combined with the demanding nature of the Baku circuit, sets the stage for a thrilling contest that could see any of the four leading teams take the checkered flag, while the rest of the field looks to capitalize on any mistake. The weekend promises high‑speed drama, strategic nuance, and the kind of close racing that makes street‑circuit events so compelling for drivers, engineers, and fans alike.