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

Norris called out a straight-line speed deficit as painful 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 characterised by the team as an error in judgement. Singapore's tight, low-speed street circuit is considered a bad match for the MCL40, making things harder for McLaren heading into the race weekend.