McLaren have announced that they will introduce a fresh batch of upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and they expect the race in Baku to evolve into a four‑horse contest involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a barren first ten rounds of the season, the reigning constructors' champions have begun to rediscover their pace. Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events and was only denied a third win in Madrid when a virtual safety car intervened at an inopportune moment. The team’s development programme has once again shown its potency.
Continuous improvements to the MCL40 have been a key factor in lifting McLaren back into the win‑talk. In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which unusually takes place on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – the outfit confirmed that new aerodynamic components will be fitted and that the rotating "H‑Wing" will make a return after being omitted in the Spanish Grand Prix. "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 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 leads the Drivers' Championship and his Mercedes squad sits comfortably at the top of the constructors' table – McLaren remain eager to push the car forward. "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 circuit presents a unique blend of extremes.
It hosts the longest straight on the F1 calendar, where top speed is paramount, and it also contains a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test a car's mechanical grip and braking stability. Marshall believes this mix will generate an exciting showdown 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. After the long straight, cars approach Turn 1 with relatively cold brakes and tyres, meaning drivers must balance full‑throttle deployment with careful brake and tyre preservation. "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. He also underscored that any of the top four outfits – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren – possess the capability to claim victory in Baku, while the chasing pack is closing 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," he concluded. The weekend schedule is packed.
On Wednesday, September 23, the drivers' press conference kicks off at 11:00 am, followed by a paddock uncut at 2:00 pm. Thursday, September 24, sees early‑morning F2 practice at 6:55 am, then the first Azerbaijan GP practice session at 9:30 am, with qualifying for F2 later that morning.
The team bosses' press conference is slated for noon, followed by a second practice session beginning at 1:00 pm and the F1 Show at 2:15 pm. Friday, September 25, brings the F2 sprint at 5:10 am, the third GP practice at 9:30 am, and the F2 feature race at 11:10 am. Qualifying for the Grand Prix starts at 12:30 pm, with the official qualifying session at 1:00 pm, and Ted's Qualifying Notebook at 3:00 pm.
Saturday, September 26, the day of the race, begins with the second F2 feature race at 7:55 am, followed by the Grand Prix build‑up at 10:30 am. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix itself starts at 12:00 pm, with the chequered flag and post‑race reaction at 2:00 pm, and a final edition of Ted's Notebook at 3:00 pm.
All sessions are also streamed live on Sky Sports Main Event. This marks the first time in the 2026 season that a Formula 1 race will be held on a Saturday, as Sky Sports F1 continues its live coverage of the triple‑header weekend. Viewers can stream the action via NOW, with no long‑term contract and the option to cancel at any time.
In summary, McLaren's fresh aerodynamic package and the re‑introduction of the H‑Wing aim to boost straight‑line speed and overall downforce, crucial for the Baku street circuit’s contrasting demands. While the championship battle may be largely decided elsewhere, the team is determined to seize every possible point and to demonstrate that they can still challenge for race wins as the season progresses. The combination of technical upgrades, strategic energy management, and a driver lineup eager to capitalize on any opening sets the stage for a thrilling contest in Azerbaijan, where any of the leading four teams could emerge victorious.