McLaren takes nothing for granted with Baku upgrade package

McLaren arrives in Baku with a fresh set of aerodynamic upgrades for the MCL40, but chief technical officer Rob Marshall is keeping expectations in check. The team's recent form has been strong — Lando Norris won at Zandvoort and took pole in Madrid — yet Baku's unique layout could level the playing field.

Why it matters:

This weekend is a true test of McLaren's development trajectory. With the front-running field tightly packed, the ability to optimize the new package on a street circuit could determine whether the team extends its winning momentum or drops valuable points.

The details:

• McLaren is reintroducing the H-Wing first seen at Monza, along with a new batch of aero updates.
• Baku's 6.003km layout combines the longest straight in F1 with slow, tight corners, forcing teams to compromise between drag and downforce.
• Straight Mode helps, but Marshall stresses that energy management, tire and brake behavior, and operational precision will be critical.
• "We are still learning about these cars at every event," Marshall said, acknowledging that McLaren has both overperformed and underperformed at different races this season.
• The team is also balancing development of the current MCL40 with work on next year's car, but remains focused on fighting for more wins in 2026.

What's next:

Friday's practice will be crucial for evaluating the new parts. With barriers close and no room for error, a single mistake could derail the weekend. Marshall insists confidence, precision, and disciplined execution are essential — and that McLaren's motivation to keep developing the current car remains high.