McLaren confirms H-Wing return for Baku as part of fresh upgrade package

McLaren has confirmed its 'H-Wing' upgrade will return to the MCL40 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, part of a fresh aerodynamic package aimed at keeping the reigning champions at the front.

Why it matters:

With the top four teams separated by slim margins, every upgrade counts. McLaren's decision to keep developing the 2026 car while balancing next year's project shows the intensity of the title fight.

The details:

• The H-Wing, a rotating rear wing solution, was introduced at Monza but skipped the Spanish GP. It returns alongside a broader aero update for Baku.
• All new parts will be evaluated in free practice before a decision on whether they stay for the race weekend.
• Street circuit challenge: Baku's long straight and tight Turn 1 put a premium on energy management, tyre and brake cooling. Chief technical officer Rob Marshall stressed that "confidence, precision and disciplined execution" are essential.

What's next:

Lando Norris arrives in Baku fourth in the standings, five points behind Lewis Hamilton. After losing a likely win in Madrid to an ill-timed Virtual Safety Car, he'll be eager to convert pace into points.

"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. The team expects any of the top four teams to be capable of winning in Baku, with the chasing pack also closing in.