McLaren have announced that they will introduce further upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, and they expect the race to evolve into a four‑horse contest involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a winless start to the season – the first ten Grands Prix passed without a victory for the defending world champions – the team appears to have found its stride. Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed win so far was caused by an ill‑timed virtual safety car during the previous race in Madrid. The British outfit has once again demonstrated its capacity for rapid development.
Continuous upgrades to the MCL40 have been a key factor in propelling the car back into the mix for podium finishes. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unusually, will be held on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – McLaren confirmed that a suite of new components will be fitted to the car. Notably, the rotating "H‑Wing" that debuted at Monza will return after being omitted in Madrid, offering a potential aerodynamic advantage on the long straight that characterises the Baku circuit. "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 challenging for the championship – with Kimi Antonelli leading the Drivers' Championship and his Mercedes squad comfortably ahead in the Constructors' standings – McLaren remains committed to 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 extremes: it hosts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, reaching speeds of over 350 km/h, yet it also contains a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test a car's mechanical grip and driver precision.
Marshall believes this mix will foster an entertaining 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 crucial on the long straight, where drivers must decide when to deploy the ERS for maximum acceleration while conserving enough power for the short, twisty sections that follow.
Tire and brake temperatures will also be a concern, as cars approach Turn 1 after the high‑speed run with relatively cold brakes and tyres, demanding careful handling to avoid lock‑ups or excessive wear. "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," Marshall warned. McLaren expects any of the four top teams – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and themselves – to have a realistic chance of winning, while the midfield pack continues to close 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," the team concluded. The weekend schedule is packed with supporting events. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference starts at 11 am, followed by the paddock uncut at 2 pm.
Thursday sees the start of Formula 2 practice at 6.55 am, with the Azerbaijan GP practice sessions beginning at 9 am (session starts at 9.30 am) and again at 12.30 pm (session starts at 1 pm). Qualifying for the F1 race is slated for 1 pm on Friday, with the final race kickoff at 12 pm on Saturday. Fans can watch the entire weekend live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW – a contract‑free service that can be cancelled at any time. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix marks the start of a triple‑header of races in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, and McLaren hopes their new upgrades and the re‑introduction of the H‑Wing will give them the extra edge needed to challenge for the top step of the podium in this demanding street environment.