McLaren head into the Singapore Grand Prix in a difficult position after a troubled stretch of races. Team principal Andrea Stella confirmed the MCL40 dropped off following recent development work, and the team owned the problem for a recurring problem affecting Lando Norris.

Norris called out a straight-line speed deficit as a real concern and said he was doubtful the team could address it before Marina Bay.

A tyre strategy call during the Malaysian Grand Prix, which saw Oscar Piastri pitted under questionable timing, was later called out as an outright mistake. Singapore's tight, low-speed street circuit is considered a poor fit for the MCL40, making things harder for McLaren going into the race weekend.