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

Norris described a straight-line speed deficit as painful and said he was uncertain the team could resolve the issue before Marina Bay.

A tyre strategy call during the Malaysian Grand Prix, which saw Oscar Piastri pitted under controversial conditions, was later described by the team as an incorrect judgement. Singapore's narrow, technical layout is considered a weak circuit for the current car, making things harder for McLaren going into the race weekend.