McLaren arrive at the Singapore Grand Prix under pressure after a difficult stretch of races. Team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged the MCL40 dropped off following recent development work, and the team accepted responsibility for a ongoing flaw affecting Lando Norris.

Norris described a straight-line speed deficit as a real concern and said he was not confident 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 tight, low-speed street circuit is considered a weak circuit for the car in its present state, making things harder for McLaren heading into the race weekend.