Azerbaijan GP: McLaren predict four-way battle for victory with rivals in Baku after confirming more upgrades to MCL40 | F1 News
McLaren have confirmed they will bring more upgrades to this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where they are expecting a four-way battle for victory with Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull.
After failing to claim a victory in the first 10 grands prix of the season, the reigning constructors’ champions have come into form, with Lando Norris claiming three pole positions at the last four races and only being denied a third win by the unfortunate timing of a virtual safety car last time out in Madrid.
McLaren have once more exhibited strength in development, with regular upgrades brought to the MCL40 having played a significant part in catapulting them back into contention for victories.
The team’s official preview for this weekend’s race in Baku, which takes place on Saturday rather than the usual Sunday slot, revealed there will be new parts, and that their rotating ‘H-Wing’ will return to the car after not being used in Madrid.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Norris lost the lead of the Spanish GP after an unlucky sequence of events which saw a missed a pit-stop opportunity under a VSC, followed by a very slow stop
“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 said.
“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.”
McLaren chief technical officer and chief designer Rob Marshall explained the team are keen to continue their development push despite their title hopes being extremely thin, with Kimi Antonelli dominating the Drivers’ Championship and his Mercedes team well clear in the constructors’ standings.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Watch the moment Norris thought he messed up his lap, which turned out to put him on the pole for the Spanish Grand Prix
“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, which features the longest straight on the F1 calendar alongside several slow corners, creates a challenge that Marshall expects to create entertaining competition between the top teams.
“Baku will provide another valuable test of the MCL40 across a very different range of characteristics,” Marshall added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Norris reacts to the news that the Monaco Grand Prix will be a Sprint race in 2027
“Energy management and 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.
“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.
“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.”
Azerbaijan GP dates, UK start time and Sky Sports F1’s live schedule
Wednesday September 23
11am: Drivers’ Press Conference
2pm: Paddock Uncut
Thursday September 24
6.55am: F2 Practice
9am: Azerbaijan GP Practice One (session starts at 9.30am)*
10.55am: F2 Qualifying*
12pm: Team Bosses’ Press Conference
12.30pm: Azerbaijan GP Practice Two (session starts at 1pm)
2.15pm: The F1 Show
Friday September 25
5.10am: F2 Sprint*
9.15am: Azerbaijan GP Practice Three (session starts at 9.30am)*
11.10am: F2 Feature Race 1*
12.30pm: Azerbaijan GP Qualifying build-up*
1PM: AZERBAIJAN GP QUALIFYING*
3pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Saturday September 26
7.55am: F2 Feature Race 2
10.30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Azerbaijan GP build-up*
12PM: THE AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX*
2pm: Chequered Flag: Azerbaijan GP reaction*
3pm: Ted’s Notebook*
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Racing on a Saturday! The 2026 Formula 1 season continues live on Sky Sports F1 this week as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix kicks off a triple-header of races, with the Baku race taking place on Saturday at midday. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
