McLaren have announced that they will introduce further upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a race that promises a four‑way showdown for the win involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a long winless streak that stretched across the first ten rounds of the season, the reigning constructors’ champions have finally begun to rediscover their competitive edge. Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events and was only denied a third victory in Madrid when a virtual safety car period unfavourably timed his race strategy.
The team’s relentless development programme has been a key factor in this resurgence. Continuous improvements to the MCL40 have helped lift the car back into the mix for podium finishes. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unlike most races, will be held on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – McLaren confirmed that a suite of new aerodynamic parts will be fitted, and that the rotating "H‑Wing" element, which was absent from the car in Madrid, will make a return. "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 elaborated on the rationale behind pushing forward with development despite the fact that the championship battle looks increasingly tilted toward Mercedes and its lead driver Kimi Antonelli, who currently dominates the Drivers' Championship, while Mercedes sits comfortably at the top of the Constructors' table.
"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 level the playing field. It boasts the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, demanding low‑drag solutions, but also contains a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test mechanical grip and driver precision. Marshall believes these contrasting characteristics will generate an entertaining battle 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 a critical factor, especially given the long straight that leads into Turn 1 where the cars are relatively cold on brakes and tyres.
"Energy deployment, tyre and brake management will be particularly important," Marshall explained. "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." The team is confident that any of the four leading manufacturers – McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull – could take the checkered flag in Baku, while the midfield pack is expected to close the gap further.
"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 race weekend schedule is packed with support series and media events. Wednesday, 23 September, will feature a drivers' press conference at 11 am followed by a paddock uncut session at 2 pm.
Thursday, 24 September, begins with a 6.55 am F2 practice, then an 9 am Azerbaijan GP practice session (starting at 9:30 am), a 10:55 am F2 qualifying, and a 12 pm team bosses' press conference. The second practice session starts at 1 pm, with the F1 Show slated for 2:15 pm. Friday, 25 September, sees the F2 sprint at 5:10 am, the third GP practice at 9:15 am (again beginning at 9:30 am), the F2 feature race at 11:10 am, and the build‑up to qualifying at 12:30 pm.
Qualifying itself is scheduled for 1 pm, followed by a post‑qualifying analysis at 3 pm. Saturday, 26 September, the day of the Grand Prix, kicks off with the second F2 feature race at 7:55 am, a pre‑race build‑up at 10:30 am, and the main event – the Azerbaijan Grand Prix – at 12 pm.
The race will conclude with a post‑race reaction at 2 pm and a final editorial notebook at 3 pm. All sessions marked with an asterisk will also be streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event. For viewers in the United Kingdom, 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. This weekend’s Baku Grand Prix marks the start of a triple‑header of races and is the first time in the 2026 calendar that a Formula 1 event will be run on a Saturday, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans and teams alike.