McLaren sets clear targets for latest update package in Singapore
Photo: Race Pictures
Kada Sárközi joined GPblog as an editor ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season. He graduated with a BA in Sports Journalism in the UK and has covered Grands Prix and other F1 events live.
McLaren aims to get back on track with maximizing its latest update package after the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia did not show the car's full potential.
The Woking-based team had a weekend to forget at the Sepang International Circuit. Oscar Piastri finished sixth, while Lando Norris crossed the finish line in P9.
Looking ahead to the next weekend, Neil Houldey, McLaren's Technical Director of Applied Engineering said: "Singapore presents a unique challenge because we know everything is going to get hot, so we need to make sure we have the cooling correct, whether that is for the engine, gearbox, brakes or even the driver.
"From a set-up perspective, the track requires us to find the right balance between keeping the car in the correct aerodynamic window and delivering good ride performance over the bumps and kerbs."
McLaren wants to better exploit the update package the team originally introduced for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.
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“We don’t think we fully maximized the performance available from the car at the last two events, so there is an opportunity to analyze the data and ensure we get everything we can from the MCL40 in Singapore."
McLaren wants to get back to winning ways in Singapore after Norris has already won twice this year - Photo: Race Pictures
However, he also highlighted that the upcoming layout is not the best for their car. "Our car may not be as well suited to the slow, 90-degree corners we see at Marina Bay, but we have also seen the competitive order vary from track to track this year. Our focus will be on maximizing performance in every area and seeing what that delivers in lap time."
McLaren wants to be sharp in Singapore
The Singapore Grand Prix will also host the final Sprint of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Houldey explained their goal is to win both on Saturday and Sunday.
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“With limited free running during a Sprint weekend, pre-event preparation carries even greater importance. We will arrive with a clear plan, while remaining adaptable to changing track conditions, Safety Cars and incidents.
"We want to win both races and know we have a quick car, but we need to extract all of its performance. The last two races did not deliver the results we wanted, but they provided valuable data and highlighted areas of opportunity. We must now put those races behind us, use them as motivation and focus fully on making good things happen in Singapore. There are still seven races to go before the end of the season, and everything is still to play for when it comes to the podium places in both championships,” he concluded.
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