McLaren is set to bring to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix its biggest update package in the second half of 2026. The MCL40 will feature a redesigned floor, revised aerodynamic components, and a new version of the ‘H-Wing’, now better known as the ‘Macarena wing’.
On the floor, the main novelty aims to increase the car’s efficiency and address one of the team’s identified limitations in low-speed corners. The ‘Macarena wing’, a rotating device as well, returns after being removed at Madrid, now adapted to operate within a higher downforce range.
The selected configuration could still change over the weekend. The long Baku straight could lead McLaren to opt again for the flatter specification used at Monza, depending on the race’s requirements.
Rob Marshall, the team’s technical director, highlighted the delicate balance demanded by the circuit: “Baku is an extreme circuit, combining the Formula 1’s longest straight with some of the slowest corners, so there are significant trade-offs to manage,” he said.
Marshall also acknowledged that McLaren has not always been able to accurately forecast its level of performance throughout 2026: “We are still learning about these cars at every event, and we have had performances above and below our expectations in different races this season,” he added.
Even with the team dividing resources between the MCL40 and the 2027 project, development of the current car continues: “Our motivation to keep developing the car remains high,” Marshall concluded.
McLaren believes that the four leading teams arrive in Baku with a chance to win. Marshall, however, stressed that execution will be decisive on a circuit where the extreme characteristics make design and setup trade-offs especially important.
