After two difficult grands prix on circuits less suited to the characteristics of the MCL39, Singapore looked like the ideal opportunity for McLaren to return to the spotlight and firmly fend off the threat posed by Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen.
Compared to the rounds in Monza and Baku, Marina Bay was expected to highlight the best qualities of the McLaren car. These were traits that had allowed the Woking squad to dominate in Singapore last year and win by more than 20 seconds; given how this year’s championship has unfolded, those same traits should have once again given McLaren the chance to fight for victory.
