McLaren has implemented changes to auxiliary components related to Lando Norris's Mercedes power unit to resolve persistent fuel injection issues that have cost the reigning champion multiple qualifying positions. The problems affected Norris particularly severely in Azerbaijan qualifying and returned intermittently during the Malaysia weekend.
Norris described the frustration of two weekends trying to figure out the constant lack of straight-line speed and performance, noting it cost him two or three positions in recent qualifying sessions. The fuel system components fall under team rather than Mercedes responsibility, prompting McLaren's focused intervention.
Singapore provides an ideal testing ground despite being less power-sensitive than recent venues, as McLaren cannot afford to leave any performance on the table in the close battle between top teams. Norris acknowledged the circuit's characteristics favor other strengths but emphasized the importance of achieving proper straight-line performance.
The team put significant work into understanding the problem after it hampered performance in both Azerbaijan and Malaysia. While Singapore's layout reduces the penalty from power deficits, Norris stressed that drivers always want to go down straights as quickly as possible rather than coming out of corners better only to go slower on the following straight.