McLaren arrive at the Singapore Grand Prix with serious concerns after a troubled stretch of races. Team principal Andrea Stella confirmed the MCL40 lost performance following recent development work, and the team accepted responsibility for a persistent issue affecting Lando Norris.

Norris described a straight-line speed deficit as painful and said he was uncertain the team could fix it before Marina Bay.

A tyre strategy call during the Malaysian Grand Prix, which saw Oscar Piastri pitted under disputed circumstances, was later called out as an error in judgement. Singapore's tight, low-speed street circuit is considered a weak circuit for the MCL40, adding to the pressure on McLaren heading into the race weekend.