McLaren have announced that they will introduce further upgrades for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a race that promises a tightly contested four‑way battle for the win against the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. After a season that began without a single triumph in the first ten rounds, the defending world champions have started to rediscover their form.
Lando Norris has secured three pole positions in the last four events, and his only missed win at the recent Spanish Grand Prix was the result of an ill‑timed virtual safety car that disrupted his race strategy. The team’s relentless development programme has been a key factor in this resurgence. The MCL40 has been subject to a steady stream of aerodynamic and mechanical enhancements, each iteration shaving precious tenths off lap times and pushing the car back into the mix for podium finishes.
In their official preview for the Baku weekend – which, unusually, will be held on a Saturday rather than the traditional Sunday – McLaren confirmed that new components will be fitted, and that the rotating "H‑Wing" element, first seen at Monza, will make a return after being omitted from the Madrid setup. "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 the fact that McLaren's championship aspirations have been severely curtailed by Kimi Antonelli's dominant performance for Mercedes and the clear gap in the constructors' standings, the squad remains highly motivated to keep developing the car.
"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 suit McLaren's development mindset. The track features the longest straight on the Formula 1 calendar, where top speed and low drag are crucial, but it also includes a series of tight, low‑speed corners that test a car's mechanical grip and braking stability.
Marshall believes this blend of extremes will produce an "entertaining competition" 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 a pivotal factor, especially given the long straight leading into Turn 1, where brakes and tyres are still relatively cold after the high‑speed run.
"Energy deployment, tyre and brake management will be particularly important," Marshall noted. "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 expect that any of the four top teams – Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and themselves – could claim victory in Baku, while the rest of the field continues to close 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," Marshall concluded. The race weekend schedule is packed with supporting events, starting with a drivers' press conference on Wednesday, September 23, at 11:00 am, followed by a paddock uncut session at 2:00 pm. Thursday, September 24, sees the F2 practice sessions in the early morning, the first Azerbaijan GP practice at 9:30 am, and a series of qualifying and press events throughout the day. Friday, September 25, will host the F2 sprint, the third practice session for the Grand Prix, and the crucial qualifying session for the Azerbaijan race, slated for 1:00 pm local time.
Finally, Saturday, September 26, the main event will kick off with the F2 feature race at 7:55 am, followed by the Grand Prix build‑up, and the race itself will start at noon, with post‑race analysis and commentary later in the afternoon. For fans wishing to follow the action live, the event will be broadcast on Sky Sports F1 and streamed via the NOW platform, offering a contract‑free option that can be cancelled at any time.
The decision to run the Grand Prix on a Saturday adds an extra layer of excitement to the weekend, as the triple‑header of races – with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix leading the charge – promises a full slate of high‑octane motorsport for viewers worldwide. In summary, McLaren's commitment to continuous improvement, the reintroduction of the H‑Wing, and the strategic focus on aerodynamic efficiency position them as serious contenders for the Baku win. While the championship battle may already be leaning heavily toward Mercedes, the unpredictable nature of the Baku circuit means that on race day, the fastest car, the smartest strategy and flawless execution will decide which team climbs onto the top step of the podium.