Singapore GP Preview: Max Verstappen’s resurgence and McLaren’s title hopes
30th September 2025Formula 1 returns under the lights for the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, as Max Verstappen looks to make it three wins from three in his late-season title resurgence.
Feature image credit: Getty Images // Red Bull Content Pool
The Dutch driver completed a dominant drive last time out in Azerbaijan, capitalising on a particularly disastrous weekend for McLaren, who could only secure a P7 finish with Lando Norris after championship leader Oscar Piastri crashed out on lap one.
The Red Bull driver and current world champion will also be hoping to go one better than his result at Singapore last year, as he finished second in between the two McLarens, 20 seconds behind race winner Norris.
Following the last round in Baku, Verstappen now trails in the drivers’ championship by 69 points, whilst Norris sits 25 points adrift from team-mate Piastri.
McLaren will also be looking for a return to form this weekend, as the papaya outfit aim to claim the constructor’s championship at the second time of asking – having missed the opportunity to do so in Azerbaijan.
As it stands, McLaren would require just 13 points to take home the honour at the Marina Bay Circuit, meaning a podium from either Norris or Piastri is all that would be required to see off any threat from Ferrari or Mercedes. McLaren would also become champions if they are not outscored by Mercedes by 31 points or more, or Ferrari by 35 points or more.
McLaren’s MCL39 has also been especially dominant on high-downforce tracks this season, with Singapore offering similar conditions. It remains to be seen whether Baku was just a blip on the radar for the team – or whether their early season car advantage has been reduced – with this weekend being potentially defining in the championship fights.
A few surprises may occur this weekend, as Singapore offers one of the most physically demanding, high-speed tracks on the calendar. Intense heat and humidity will also push each driver to their limits in a race which will run close to the two-hour race limit. This was especially highlighted last year, with Mercedes’ George Russell seen visibly shaken after temperatures inside the cars reached highs of 60°C during the race.
Mixed weather conditions could also provide an added layer of strategy, with mixed thunderstorms potentially set for Friday alongside the possibility of rain across Saturday and Sunday.
The Singapore GP gets underway on Friday, 3rd October with first practice set for 10:30-11:30 (BST), followed shortly by second practice from 14:00-15:00. Saturday sees third practice take place from 10:30-11:30 before qualifying at 14:00-15:00.
Finally, Sunday’s race sees lights out at 13:00, in what is set to be another incredible weekend of racing.
Read more Formula 1 here:
- Lewis Hamilton confirms passing of Roscoe
- Constructors championship: What does McLaren need to win title in Singapore?
- Singapore Grand Prix: the latest weather report
- Oscar Piastri apologises to McLaren after troubled Azerbaijan Grand Prix
- Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have diverted trip home after Azerbaijan Grand Prix
- Ferrari confirms issue with Leclerc’s car after unsatisfactory Azerbaijan Grand Prix
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