McLaren has confirmed it will bring back its innovative 'H-Wing' for this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The component, which was absent at the Spanish GP two weeks ago, returns to the team's garage after a one-race hiatus, ready to be tested at the challenging Baku City Circuit.
The wing, which had puzzled the paddock, made its race debut at the Italian GP earlier this month. However, the Woking-based team chose not to take it to the Madring in Spain for strategic reasons. Now, McLaren feels the time is right to fully explore the wing's potential on a unique street track.
Baku is no stranger to McLaren's aerodynamic experiments. Two seasons ago, their controversial flexi-wing helped Oscar Piastri secure victory there. That experience is invaluable, though the team knows every performance detail will be crucial on a tight and demanding street circuit.
"Baku is a circuit of extremes, combining the longest straight in Formula 1 with some of the slowest corners, so there are significant compromises to manage," said Rob Marshall, Chief Technical Officer and Chief Designer at McLaren. "Straight Mode gives every team greater scope to run a low-drag car on the straights while retaining downforce through the corners, but the challenge remains the same: bring the best design and set-up choices, then execute them cleanly on track."
Marshall also highlighted the importance of energy and tyre management in Baku. "Energy management and deployment will be particularly important, as will tyre and brake management with the cars arriving at Turn 1 after the long straight with these areas relatively cold," he explained. "Operationally, there is very little margin for error on a tight street circuit. A small mistake can lead to significant repairs, lost track time and resources being diverted away from performance, so confidence, precision and disciplined execution will be essential throughout the weekend."
McLaren is currently enjoying positive momentum with regulatory continuity into next season. However, they must balance developing this year's car with preparing for next year. "With regulatory continuity into next season and the competition at the front so close, our motivation to keep developing the car remains high," added Marshall. "We must balance that with work on next year's car, but our immediate focus is on delivering more performance and fighting for more victories in 2026, while carrying forward everything we learn. We expect any of the top four teams to be capable of winning in Baku, with the chasing pack also getting closer, and we hope to be firmly in the fight at the front."
McLaren's history in Baku is full of drama. In 2024, Piastri took a brilliant win, while last year turned into a nightmare with a Lap 1 crash and Lando Norris finishing only seventh. Now, with the return of the H-Wing, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris hope to replicate their best form and secure maximum points in Azerbaijan.
All eyes will be on the Baku track this weekend. Can McLaren use the H-Wing to dominate? Or will the brutal street circuit spring another surprise? One thing is clear: the competition in Formula 1 this season is heating up, and every technical innovation could be the difference between victory and disappointment.
Baca Juga
Isack Hadjar kembali ke F1 di GP Azerbaijan setelah cedera pergelangan tangan. Ia mengaku lega dan siap menghadapi tantangan Sirkuit Baku.
Mengapa jarak balapan F1 305 km? Simak sejarah aturan dari 1950 hingga 2027, pengecualian Monaco, dan rencana pemendekan balapan.
Isack Hadjar kembali ke Red Bull di GP Azerbaijan setelah cedera pergelangan tangan. Simak cerita kelegaan dan tantangan di Baku.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!