McLaren target Baku pole fight with key aero upgrades for Norris and Piastri
McLaren are preparing to introduce key aerodynamic updates at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a package that could propel Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri firmly into the fight for pole position in Baku.
Formula 1 travels to the City of Winds for Round 15 of the 2026 campaign, returning to the venue where Piastri experienced a disastrous weekend 12 months ago. During the 2025 event, the Australian crashed in Q3, jumped the start, and retired on Lap 1 of the race. Norris also suffered misfortune in that qualifying session, making a mistake on his final Q3 run and finishing P7 from seventh on the grid, while Carlos Sainz secured third to claim his first podium with Williams.
Aerodynamic Revisions for the MCL40
Heading into the 2026 round, McLaren aim to change their fortunes with a revised aero package tailored to boost the MCL40âs top speed. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the upgrades include a new underbody and an adapted version of the âMacarenaâ rear wing.
McLaren were reportedly satisfied with how the wing performed upon its debut at the Italian Grand Prix earlier this month, where Norris and Piastri engaged in a late fight at Monza. However, because Baku demands higher downforce levels than Monza, engineers at Woking designed a higher-downforce variant. The team will assess both specifications across practice sessions before making a final race choice.
Addressing Slow-Speed Deficits
Practice will also serve as the evaluation ground for the new underbody. Recent performances convinced team engineers that the MCL40 suffers from a notable weakness in slow-speed corners. The revised floor design is intended to provide more efficient aerodynamics specifically in Bakuâs slowest sections.
While medium-speed corners and Baku's long straights are expected to define qualifying performance, McLaren have already demonstrated formidable speed in medium-speed turns. Norris secured pole positions at the Spanish, Hungarian, and Dutch Grands Prix, and believed he had even more time in hand during his Madrid pole lap after an error at the final corner cost the 2025 drivers' champion roughly two-tenths.
With this targeted development package, the Woking squad aims to eradicate lingering weaknesses as they continue pushing for straight-line efficiency and peak qualifying pace.
Simone Scanu
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.