McLaren Takes MCL40 Upgrades to Baku for 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Baku, Azerbaijan, September 23, 2026: McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team will introduce a fresh package of aerodynamic upgrades for the MCL40 at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as the team heads to Baku for Round 15 of the Formula 1 season.

The 6.003-kilometre Baku City Circuit presents one of the most unusual challenges on the F1 calendar, combining the tight, barrier-lined corners of the Old City with heavy braking zones and an extended flat-out section. McLaren will also bring back its H-Wing, which made its debut at Monza, with the team expecting its drag-reduction benefits to be particularly relevant in Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix forms part of the upcoming triple-header across September and October, with McLaren looking to build on the momentum generated by the MCL40 during recent races, including Zandvoort and Madrid.

The team believes the car has shown encouraging pace in recent events and is continuing to find a more competitive operating window. The focus in Baku will be on maximising every session before making final decisions on the car’s qualifying and race configuration.

McLaren MCL40 gets aerodynamic upgrades

McLaren will use practice in Baku to evaluate its latest upgrades before deciding how best to configure the MCL40 for qualifying and the Grand Prix.

The aerodynamic package is aimed at improving the overall performance of the car, while the return of the H-Wing provides another tool for managing the unique demands of the Baku circuit.

With the track featuring a combination of low-speed corners and one of the longest full-throttle sections in Formula 1, teams face a significant compromise between aerodynamic efficiency and cornering performance.

Energy management and deployment will also be important, particularly because the cars spend an extended period at full throttle before arriving at Turn 1.

The long run also creates a tyre and brake management challenge, with both potentially relatively cold after the prolonged full-throttle section.

Baku presents a unique F1 challenge

McLaren Chief Technical Officer and Chief Designer Rob Marshall described Baku as a circuit of extremes, with the longest straight in Formula 1 combined with some of the slowest corners.

“Baku is a circuit of extremes, combining the longest straight in Formula 1 with some of the slowest corners, so there are significant compromises to manage,” said Marshall.

He highlighted the importance of finding the right balance between low drag on the straights and sufficient downforce through the corners.

According to Marshall, the 2026 season continues to provide teams with opportunities to learn about the current generation of cars, with McLaren having experienced both stronger and weaker performances than expected at different venues.

Baku will provide another test of the MCL40 across a very different range of circuit characteristics.

Precision crucial around Baku street circuit

The narrow nature of the Baku City Circuit means there is little room for error. A mistake can result in contact with the barriers, potentially leading to significant damage and lost track time.

Marshall said confidence, precision and disciplined execution will therefore be crucial throughout the weekend.

Operational efficiency will be particularly important as McLaren evaluates its upgrades while simultaneously preparing for the demands of the race.

With the regulations remaining stable into next season and competition at the front of the field continuing to tighten, McLaren is maintaining its development focus on the MCL40 while also balancing resources with its 2027 car programme.

“Our immediate focus is on delivering more performance and fighting for more victories in 2026, while carrying forward everything we learn,” Marshall said.

McLaren targets front-running fight

McLaren expects the competition in Baku to be particularly close, with the leading four teams considered capable of fighting for victory and the chasing pack continuing to close the gap.

The team will therefore be targeting a clean weekend in Azerbaijan, with the performance of the latest MCL40 upgrades set to be closely monitored throughout practice.

The 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will take place on Saturday, September 26, rather than Sunday, to avoid coinciding with Azerbaijan’s national Remembrance Day on September 27.

With the championship entering a crucial phase of the season, McLaren’s ability to extract performance from its latest upgrades while avoiding the operational risks of Baku’s unforgiving street circuit could be central to its weekend challenge.