McLaren have announced that they will introduce another set of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race to evolve into a four‑horse showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a winless start to the season – the first ten rounds passed without a victory for the defending World Constructors' Champions – the team has begun to find its rhythm. Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed win in Madrid was caused by an ill‑timed virtual safety car that erased his advantage on the final lap.
The squad’s relentless development programme has been a key factor in reviving their competitive edge. Continuous improvements to the MCL40 have helped lift the car back into the mix for podiums and potential wins.
In their official preview for the Baku round – which this year will be held on a Saturday instead of the traditional Sunday – McLaren confirmed that new aerodynamic components will be fitted, and the distinctive rotating "H‑Wing" that debuted at Monza will return after being omitted in the Spanish Grand Prix. "As part of the team's ongoing evolution throughout the 2026 campaign, we will bring to Baku a package of upgrades designed to enhance the aerodynamic efficiency of the MCL40," the team statement read. "In addition, the H‑Wing, first seen in Monza, will be reinstated on a circuit where drag reduction can make a decisive difference. As with previous events, all fresh parts will be assessed during practice before we lock in our qualifying and race setups for the weekend." Chief Technical Officer and Chief Designer Rob Marshall explained that, despite the fact that McLaren's championship aspirations have dwindled – with Kimi Antonelli dominating the Drivers' Championship and his Mercedes crew leading the Constructors' table – the team remains motivated to push the car forward.
"With regulatory continuity into next year and the front‑running teams so closely matched, our drive to keep developing the car stays high," Marshall said. "We have to balance that with work on the 2027 car, but our immediate priority is to extract more performance and chase further wins 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, while also featuring a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test mechanical grip and brake stability. Marshall believes this mix will generate entertaining battles among the top teams.
"Baku will provide another valuable test of the MCL40 across a very different range of characteristics," he added. Energy management will be crucial, especially on the long straight that leads into Turn 1, where the cars arrive with relatively cold brakes and tyres.
"Deploying the hybrid boost at the right moments and preserving tyre life will be key," Marshall noted. "Operationally, there is very little margin for error on a confined street circuit – a small mistake can trigger costly repairs, loss of track time and divert resources away from performance. Confidence, precision and disciplined execution will be essential throughout the weekend." McLaren expect any of the four leading teams – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and themselves – to have a realistic shot at the win, while the midfield pack continues to close the gap. "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 kicks off at 11:00 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2:00 pm.
Thursday, September 24, starts early with an F2 practice at 6:55 am, then the Azerbaijan GP practice one at 9:30 am, F2 qualifying at 10:55 am, and the team bosses' press conference at noon. Practice two begins at 1:00 pm, and the F1 Show airs at 2:15 pm.
Friday, September 25, features an F2 sprint at 5:10 am, practice three for the Grand Prix at 9:30 am, the F2 feature race at 11:10 am, and the build‑up to qualifying at 12:30 pm. Qualifying itself takes place at 1:00 pm, with Ted's Qualifying Notebook following at 3:00 pm. Saturday, September 26, the final day, starts with the second F2 feature race at 7:55 am, then the Grand Prix build‑up at 10:30 am.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix itself begins at noon, with the chequered flag and post‑race reaction at 2:00 pm, and Ted's Notebook wrapping up the coverage at 3:00 pm. All sessions are also streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event.
This Saturday race marks a rare Saturday Grand Prix in the 2026 calendar, forming part of a triple‑header weekend on Sky Sports F1. Viewers can stream the action via NOW, with a flexible, no‑contract subscription that can be cancelled at any time.