McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh package of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race in Baku to turn into a four‑horse showdown involving Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and their own team. After a season that began with ten races without a win, the reigning constructors' champions have finally started to find their rhythm. Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed win so far came as a result of an ill‑timed virtual safety car during the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. The team’s ability to develop the MCL40 on a weekly basis has been a key factor in their resurgence.
Continuous aerodynamic and mechanical enhancements have steadily lifted the car’s performance, pushing McLaren back into the mix for podiums and victories. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which this year is scheduled for Saturday rather than the customary Sunday – McLaren confirmed that a number of new components will be fitted, including the return of the rotating "H‑Wing" that was omitted in Madrid.
"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 outfit said in a press release. "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 the development push. Even though McLaren’s championship hopes have dwindled – Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes sit comfortably atop the Drivers' and Constructors' standings – the engineers remain motivated to extract every ounce of performance. "With regulatory continuity into next season and the competition at the front so close, our motivation to keep developing the car remains high," Marshall explained. "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 test for any Formula 1 car.
It boasts the longest straight on the calendar, demanding low drag for top speed, while also featuring a series of tight, low‑speed corners that require strong downforce and mechanical grip. This duality makes the track a perfect arena for the four leading teams to showcase their engineering solutions.
Marshall believes the mix of high‑speed sections and technical corners will generate exciting on‑track battles. "Baku will provide another valuable test of the MCL40 across a very different range of characteristics," he said. Energy management will be a critical factor, especially given the long straight that leads into a cold set of brakes and tyres at Turn 1.
"Energy 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," Marshall added. "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 are confident that any of the top four teams – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and themselves – could claim victory in Baku, and they hope to be firmly in the mix.
The team also noted that the midfield pack is closing the gap, making the race even more unpredictable. "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 supporting events.
On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference will start at 11 am, followed by a paddock uncut at 2 pm. Thursday sees early‑morning Formula 2 practice at 6:55 am, then the Azerbaijan GP practice session at 9:30 am, with qualifying for F2 later in the morning. The team bosses' press conference is slated for noon, and a second practice session begins at 1 pm. Friday features the F2 sprint race, a third practice session for the Grand Prix, and the F2 feature race before the qualifying build‑up for the main event.
Qualifying for the Azerbaijan GP will take place at 1 pm on Friday, followed by a post‑qualifying analysis. Saturday, September 26, hosts the second F2 feature race, the Grand Prix build‑up, and the race itself, which will start at midday. The weekend will close with a reaction segment and a final notebook from commentator Ted. For fans wishing to follow the action live, the event will be broadcast on Sky Sports F1 and streamed via NOW, with the flexibility of a no‑contract subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
The shift to a Saturday race adds an extra layer of excitement, as the triple‑header of events this week – including the F2 series – promises a full day of high‑octane motorsport entertainment.