McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh batch of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, and they are forecasting a tight four‑horse race for the win against the usual suspects – Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a season that began with a ten‑race winless streak, the defending world champions have started to find their rhythm.
Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed opportunity for a third win came when a virtual safety car was deployed at an inopportune moment during the previous race in Madrid, effectively erasing his advantage. The team’s relentless development programme has been a key factor in this resurgence. The MCL40 has received a steady stream of aerodynamic and mechanical enhancements throughout the year, each iteration narrowing the performance gap to the front‑running cars. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – a race that this year is scheduled for Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – McLaren confirmed that new components will be fitted and that the rotating "H‑Wing" element, which was absent from the Madrid layout, will make a return.
The H‑Wing, first seen in Monza, is designed to reduce drag on circuits with long straights, and Baku’s 5.5‑kilometre main straight offers an ideal environment for it to be effective. "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 their championship hopes being slim – Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes dominate the Drivers' and 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 that could level the playing field. It hosts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, demanding low drag for top speed, but also features a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test mechanical grip and braking stability. Marshall believes this mix will produce 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 and deployment will be particularly important, as will tyre and brake management with the cars arriving at Turn 1 after the long straight with these areas relatively cold." The street layout leaves little room for error; a single mis‑step can result in significant damage, lost track time and a diversion of resources away from performance upgrades. Consequently, precision, confidence and disciplined execution will be essential throughout the weekend. Marshall summed up the team's outlook: "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." Beyond the technical narrative, the event schedule is packed with support series and media commitments. On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference kicks off at 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2 pm.
Thursday sees the start of the Formula 2 weekend with practice at 6.55 am, followed by the Azerbaijan GP practice sessions, qualifying and the F1 Show in the afternoon. Friday includes the F2 sprint, the third practice session for the Grand Prix, and the crucial qualifying hour at 1 pm, where the grid for the Saturday race will be set.
Saturday, September 26, culminates with the F2 feature race, the Grand Prix itself at midday, and post‑race analysis, including Ted's Qualifying Notebook and reaction segments. For fans, the race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming available via NOW – a contract‑free option that can be cancelled at any time. The shift to a Saturday race adds a fresh dynamic to the weekend, creating a triple‑header of events that promises non‑stop action for viewers. As the MCL40 rolls onto the Baku streets, McLaren hopes that the new aerodynamic parts and the reinstated H‑Wing will provide the extra downforce and reduced drag needed to challenge the traditional powerhouses and possibly secure a long‑awaited victory for the team.