Following a pair of challenging grands prix held on circuits that didn’t entirely align with the MCL39’s strengths, the Singapore race presented a prime opportunity for McLaren to shine once again and effectively counter the threat from reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen.
In contrast to the Monza and Baku events, the Marina Bay circuit was anticipated to emphasize the most favorable aspects of the McLaren vehicle. These very attributes had enabled the Woking team to achieve dominance in the previous year’s Singapore race, securing a victory with a margin exceeding 20 seconds. Considering the trajectory of this year’s championship, it was presumed that these same qualities would provide McLaren with a renewed chance to contend for the top spot.
The race was characterized by elevated temperatures, soft tyres necessitating meticulous management due to substantial thermal degradation, and corners demanding a highly responsive front end for optimal car rotation. It is noteworthy that Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, had specifically identified Marina Bay as a chance to redeem their performance and recapture the winning momentum.
However, a replication of the previous year’s triumph did not materialize, with the team ultimately securing third and fourth positions. While the MCL39 once more showcased its characteristic proficiency in tyre management during the race – a trait that, on a different circuit, might have enabled it to close the gap with competitors – the absence of a victory cast a shadow over the confirmation of McLaren’s defense of the constructors’ title.
So, what were the factors that impeded their success?
To fully grasp the underlying reasons behind the diminished dominance in Singapore, it is essential to revisit Friday’s events and consider Lando Norris’s observations following FP2. The British driver conceded that he had struggled to establish a comfortable rapport with the car, especially when using the softer tyres, and had lost the sense that, earlier in 2024, had empowered him to excel in both qualifying and the race. The principal concern was a perceived lack of confidence in the front end.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Photo by: Zak Mauger / LAT Images via Getty Images
“Lando has emphasized since the season’s commencement, when referencing the car’s front end, that it has been difficult to establish a solid feel,” Stella stated following qualifying.
“We consistently receive feedback that, in my estimation, underscores how the transition in tyre specifications from the previous year to the current one introduces a certain element of influence.
“In the past year, our drivers experienced greater comfort navigating the Singapore circuit. However, this year, right from the first free practice session, they noted certain characteristics of the front tyres. While this was less pronounced with the hard and medium compounds, it was definitely evident with the soft tyres.”
This point is critical for deciphering the core deficiency of the MCL39 throughout the weekend, primarily impacting qualifying performance and overall grand prix management, rather than race pace. Examining Marina Bay’s design reveals that the circuit is dominated by braking zones and traction zones situated over the uneven surfaces inherent to street courses. Nevertheless, numerous corners lack the acute angles seen in Baku, where braking occurs along a straight line.
The sequence of closely spaced corners and bends, which are not always right-angled, places a premium on front-end precision. This is essential not only because braking often coincides with the car already initiating a turn, but also for enhancing the subsequent exit and traction phase. Although it is true that McLaren tends to gain less advantage in tighter corners, as it cannot fully leverage its strengths, front-end precision remains a fundamental asset of the MCL39, especially on circuits where other teams are forced to compromise.
In Singapore, this advantage was conspicuously absent, particularly when using the soft compound. Qualifying data revealed that both Piastri and Norris lost time in the same portions of the middle sector, specifically where maintaining speed through the corner, completing the turn, and establishing traction upon exit are essential. These were precisely the areas where Mercedes, guided by George Russell, established the foundation for their pole position.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, George Russell, Mercedes
Photo by: Colin McMaster / LAT Images via Getty Images
Concerning minimum corner speed, both McLaren drivers exerted considerable effort to distinguish themselves. This data supports Stella’s observations that the MCL39 continued to gain ground on rivals mid-corner, albeit not by its usual margin. The constraint appeared during the final phase of cornering, which is crucial for preparing the exit. Here, Norris and Piastri were unable to aggressively push or rotate the car as desired, hampered by the deficient front-end feel.
The core issue was that McLaren’s drivers were unable to capitalize on the increased grip offered by the softer compound. An intended advantage transformed into a weakness, as if the tyre struggled to maintain its ideal operating parameters. The narrower temperature range and the exaggerated movement of the soft tyre in corners, which generates additional heat, destabilized the MCL39.
Conversely, the car regained balance and effectiveness, particularly during the race, when equipped with the more stable medium and hard tyres. Norris himself validated his enhanced comfort with the harder compounds.
“I believe there’s more potential lap time to be extracted from the medium tyres this weekend, and I’ve consistently felt very comfortable with them,” he said. “The mediums have generally provided better front-end grip, which suits my driving style and allows me to achieve faster lap times. It evokes memories of the previous year and the sensations I seek from the car. However, when I switch to the soft tyres, I encounter difficulties once again.
“There’s a persistent sense that the car isn’t performing optimally. It’s difficult to articulate accurately, as we’ve demonstrated exceptional speed throughout the season. Nonetheless, we’ve faced challenges this weekend, and the issues I’ve encountered this year, specifically concerning the car’s front end, appear to have resurfaced.”
Singapore thus illuminated the contrasting side of McLaren’s capabilities. Despite achieving the technical maturity necessary to secure the constructors’ title well in advance, the MCL39, under specific circumstances (even on circuits generally considered favorable), still experiences difficulties in reaching its full potential, particularly when the gap with competitors narrows.
This serves as a reminder that, even in a season marked by dominance, minor details can still exert a substantial influence.
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– The Autosport.com Team
