McLaren head into the Singapore Grand Prix in a difficult position after a tough stretch of races. Team principal Andrea Stella confirmed the MCL40 regressed following recent upgrades, and the team took the blame for a recurring problem affecting Lando Norris.

Norris described a straight-line speed deficit as a real concern and said he was not confident the team could address it before Marina Bay.

A tyre strategy call during the Malaysian Grand Prix, which saw Oscar Piastri pitted under disputed circumstances, was later described by the team as an incorrect judgement. Singapore's tight, low-speed street circuit is considered a poor fit for the car in its present state, making things harder for McLaren as they prepare for the race weekend.