McLaren introduces upgrades, aims for Baku win against Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull

McLaren confirmed this week that it will bring a new set of upgrades to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, signalling that the team is aiming for a four‑way battle for the win against Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. The announcement came ahead of the race in Baku, where the tight street circuit has become a key battleground in the 2024 season.

The decision follows a mixed season for McLaren. They have finished third in the constructors’ standings, but their cars have struggled to match the pace of the front‑row teams on high‑downforce tracks. Baku’s long straights and sharp corners demand both top speed and precise braking, areas where McLaren has shown improvement in recent practice sessions. Adding new aerodynamic parts and a revised gearbox layout is intended to boost straight‑line speed and improve tyre management, giving the team a better chance to challenge the leaders.

Team principal Zak Brown said the upgrades are “critical for keeping us in the fight.” He added that the new front‑wing element will reduce drag while maintaining downforce, and that the updated suspension geometry should help the cars handle the tight turns better. Drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri expressed confidence that the changes will translate into faster lap times. Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull have all been fine‑tuning their own cars for Baku, so McLaren’s enhancements could level the playing field.

The race weekend will be the first real test of the upgrades. If McLaren can close the gap to the front‑row teams, the team could see a rise in points that would strengthen their championship bid. The success of the upgrades will also inform the design of the car for the next race in Saudi Arabia, where similar high‑speed demands will apply. The outcome in Baku could therefore set the tone for the rest of the season.