We arrive in Singapore for one of the most demanding races of the season with the night-time battle at Marina Bay. After fast tracks like Monza and Baku, the pendulum swings toward a completely different challenge: a twisty, technical, high-downforce street circuit that could suit McLaren.
McLaren’s Big Opportunity
McLaren struggled on the long straights of Monza and Azerbaijan, where top speed was crucial. In Baku, changing weather conditions also hurt them, while in Italy they simply ran out of steam. But Singapore is a very different story. The circuit is more in line with Monaco and Hungary, tracks where McLaren’s strength in medium-speed corners and apex speed comes alive.
With bumps, traction zones, and a layout that doesn’t allow straights to dominate, the MCL39 is expected to be in its element. Add in Pirelli bringing the softest compounds (C3, C4, C5), which could create higher tyre degradation, and this looks like one of McLaren’s best shots at victory.
A Test of Progress for Red Bull
Red Bull enters Singapore as the big question mark. If they can challenge McLaren here, it will signal that the team has truly recovered from the weaknesses seen on high-downforce tracks in the past. The RB21 has shown improved consistency, but Marina Bay will be a real test.
Singapore could also give us a preview of how competitive Red Bull will be at similar tracks later in the year, like Austin and São Paulo.
Ferrari’s Challenge
On paper, Singapore is close to Ferrari’s worst-case scenario. The SF-25 tends to prefer flatter, hotter circuits with less focus on high-speed corners. Tread wear and underfloor sensitivity could prove problematic on the bumpy Marina Bay track. If the balance is found, Ferrari might fight for a podium, but expectations are more cautious here.
Mercedes in the Mix
Mercedes has good reason for optimism. The team has been strong in Singapore in past years, and their car handles bumps and short corners well. Wind sensitivity, a weakness for some teams, isn’t a major problem for them, making the Silver Arrows genuine podium contenders.
Midfield Battles
• Aston Martin: Expected to bounce back and be one of the stronger midfield runners this weekend.
• Williams: After a series of strong results, Singapore could bring them back down to earth. Their low-downforce strengths won’t count for much here.
• Racing Bulls: A team to watch. With strong Q3 potential, they could fight Williams closely.
• Sauber: The car suits Singapore on paper, though their race pace is usually stronger than their qualifying form.
• Haas: Likely to struggle due to the track characteristics, though strong tyre management could keep them in play.
• Alpine: Still in “holding mode” for 2026. Despite occasional flashes, they’re focused more on next year than on fighting in the midfield.
Weather Watch
Every day of the weekend carries a chance of rain. While the race and qualifying sessions currently show lower probabilities of showers, the combination of extreme humidity and track temperature could still play a big role. A sudden downpour could completely change the dynamic of the race.
Paddock Queen’s Top 5 Predictions
• Pole position: Lando Norris
Race Top 5 Prediction:
1. Lando Norris
2. Oscar Piastri
3. Max Verstappen
4. George Russell
5. Charles Leclerc
Singapore has all the ingredients for a thriller weekend. Will Norris or Piastri claim victory, or can Verstappen spoil the party?
What are your predictions? Share them in the comments!
