P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lando Norris conceded the “tables have turned” on McLaren after last year’s dominant F1 Singapore GP winner felt George Russell’s 2025 pole lap was “out of our league”
Lando Norris acknowledged McLaren’s performance dip in comparison to George Russell’s impressive pole lap in Singapore, stating it was “out of our league.” McLaren’s recent struggles in qualifying continued as Mercedes and Red Bull proved to be the leading teams, with Norris finishing fifth, more than four tenths off the pace.
Norris highlighted the team’s inability to keep up with the top contenders, attributing it to a lack of speed, particularly compared to Russell’s exceptional lap time. The McLaren driver pointed out that the track conditions in Singapore, along with front tyre struggles, were major factors affecting their performance this weekend.
Despite McLaren’s success in securing pole positions earlier in the season, Norris expressed concerns about the car’s front-end issues and understeer, which became more prominent in the current race weekend. The differences in car setup and track conditions compared to previous races, such as in Las Vegas, have further complicated McLaren’s challenge in Singapore.
Additionally, Norris hinted at the ongoing challenges posed by the 2025 McLaren design, particularly with the front suspension system affecting the car’s handling and overall performance. The driver mentioned his preference for the medium tyres, which provided better front-end grip, in contrast to the struggles faced with the softer tyre compounds.
Overall, Norris emphasized the need for improvements in car performance and his own driving to overcome the obstacles encountered during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend.
