# McLaren eyes four-way title fight in Baku

> McLaren brings fresh upgrades to Azerbaijan as they battle Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull for victory.
- Title: McLaren eyes four-way title fight in Baku · Sky Sports
- Summary: McLaren brings fresh upgrades to Azerbaijan as they battle Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull for victory. McLaren is bringing new aerodynamic upgrades and their…
- Keywords: mclaren, azerbaijan grand prix, baku, formula 1, upgrades, mcl40, mercedes, ferrari, red bull, lando norris, 2026 season, sports
- Source: Sky Sports — https://skysports.com/f1/news/12040/13590364/azerbaijan-gp-mclaren-predict-four-way-battle-for-victory-with-rivals-in-baku-after-confirming-more-upgrades-to-mcl40
- Published: 2026-09-21T17:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mclaren, azerbaijan grand prix, baku, formula 1, upgrades, mcl40, mercedes, ferrari, red bull, lando norris, 2026 season, sports
## McLaren bouncing back into contention
After a slow start with no wins in the first 10 races, McLaren have found form with Lando Norris claiming three pole positions in the last four races.
## Regular upgrades driving performance gains
Consistent development of the MCL40 has been key to McLaren's resurgence, with new parts brought to nearly every race.
## New parts and H-Wing coming to Baku
McLaren will introduce aerodynamic upgrades and bring back their rotating H-Wing, which debuted at Monza and was absent in Madrid.

> the H-Wing, that debuted in Monza, will be back in action on a track where the drag reduction can be a factor
## Development push continues despite title odds
McLaren remains motivated to develop the car even though their championship hopes are extremely thin, with Kimi Antonelli leading the drivers' championship.

> With regulatory continuity into next season and the competition at the front so close, our motivation to keep developing the car remains high
## Baku's unique demands test the field
The circuit features the longest straight on the F1 calendar alongside slow corners, requiring careful energy and tyre management with little margin for error.
## Four-way battle expected at the front
McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull are all expected to be capable of winning in Baku, with the chasing pack also getting closer.

> We expect any of the top four teams to be capable of winning in Baku, with the chasing pack also getting closer
## Race runs on Saturday, not Sunday
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix takes place on Saturday at noon UK time, rather than the usual Sunday slot, kicking off a triple-header of races.
## Key takeaway

McLaren is bringing new aerodynamic upgrades and their H-Wing to Baku, expecting a tight four-way fight for victory with Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull.