McLaren turn up at the Singapore Grand Prix in a difficult position after a difficult stretch of races. Team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged the MCL40 lost performance following recent development work, and the team owned the problem for a persistent issue affecting Lando Norris.

Norris labelled a straight-line speed deficit as a real concern and said he was doubtful the team could resolve the issue 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 narrow, technical layout is considered a weak circuit for the MCL40, making things harder for McLaren as they prepare for the race weekend.