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McLaren confirms new floor and H-Wing return for Baku upgrades

Answer
Confirmed

McLaren will introduce a new floor, additional aerodynamic parts and the return of its rotating H-Wing on the MCL40 at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The team expects a tight four-way fight for victory against Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull.

McLaren targets Baku with expanded upgrade package

McLaren has confirmed a new floor, additional aerodynamic components and the return of its rotating H-Wing for the MCL40 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The package forms part of the team's ongoing development effort in 2026.[1]

The upgrades arrive after smaller updates earlier in the season and follow the H-Wing's debut at Monza. The concept was set aside for the Madrid race due to downforce requirements but returns in a revised higher-downforce specification for Baku.[2]

Expected four-way contest

McLaren's official preview states the team anticipates a four-way battle for victory involving Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. New parts will be evaluated in practice sessions before final setup decisions.[1]

Related reading

https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/13590364/azerbaijan-gp-mclaren-predict-four-way-battle-for-victory-with-rivals-in-baku-after-confirming-more-upgrades-to-mcl40 https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/mclaren-brings-biggest-baku-upgrade-as-marshall-predicts-four-way-battle-for-victory

Sources
  1. [1]Azerbaijan GP: McLaren predict four-way battle for victory with rivals in Baku after confirming more upgrades to MCL40 (skysports). Accessed 2026-09-22.
  2. [2]McLaren Baku upgrade 2026: new floor and H-Wing confirmed (gpblog). Accessed 2026-09-22.
Published 22 Sept 2026, 20:01 UTC