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McLaren and Red Bull are both bringing aerodynamic updates to Baku, but with different areas of emphasis. According to RacingNews365, McLaren is changing its bodywork, floor and rear wing, among other elements; Red Bull’s package focuses mainly on the floor and sidepod.
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The two teams are trying to improve their cars for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix through interrelated aerodynamic changes. Samuel Coop describes the packages at RacingNews365 on 24 September 2026, based on the FIA car presentation documents submitted by the teams. McLaren reports eight updates, Red Bull five. [1]
At McLaren, a revised sidepod inlet and engine cover are intended to channel air more effectively towards the rear of the car. The team also has an alternative sidepod shape available. These changes are linked to revisions to the floor edge and diffuser. New fairings around the rear suspension are then intended to take advantage of the altered airflow.
McLaren is also adapting its rear wing specifically for Baku. A different flap position in straight-line mode is intended to allow a greater reduction in drag. The package therefore includes both changes to the airflow around the car and a circuit-specific wing revision. [1]
Red Bull’s focus is on new floor and diffuser shapes. The aim is to generate more aerodynamic load locally without losing airflow stability.
A revised junction between the sidepod and floor supports that design. The cooling louvres are also changing to match the new bodywork. Further changes to the mirror assembly and halo fairing are intended to improve airflow towards the rear and support the floor package. [1]
According to the same publication, Mercedes and Ferrari have not submitted any updates for the Baku weekend. The same applies to Aston Martin, Haas and Alpine. [1]
Eight changes versus five do not in themselves tell us which team is taking the bigger step. The benefits described are design aims: RacingNews365 gives no measured lap-time gain or other performance data that would establish the effect of either package.
1 listed sources · explore evidence, limitations and provenance.
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