McLaren arrive at the Singapore Grand Prix under pressure after a tough stretch of races. Team principal Andrea Stella admitted the MCL40 regressed following recent upgrades, and the team accepted responsibility for a persistent issue affecting Lando Norris.

Norris called out 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 described by the team as an outright mistake. Singapore's narrow, technical layout is considered a poor fit for the current car, making things harder for McLaren heading into the race weekend.