BRIEFING F1: SINGAPORE GP

The last Asian round of 2025 before the long American stretch: the Singapore GP arrives at a crucial moment, especially to see whether Verstappen can clinch a third consecutive win and truly reopen the fight for the drivers’ title. The gap is still significant, but Marina Bay is a street circuit that never forgives and has often delivered surprises and upsets over the years.

For the Dutchman, however, it won’t be easy. In Singapore, Red Bull won’t be able to rely on the straight-line efficiency that has helped them elsewhere, while McLaren seems to have a package more suited to these track characteristics compared to Baku. The real question will be whether the updates introduced under Mekies’ direction have genuinely raised the car’s performance level or if it will fall back into its earlier limitations. Still, having Verstappen behind the wheel is an advantage in itself—he brings confidence and reassurance to the whole team.

McLaren isn’t in crisis, but there are signs of concern. Technical issues and personal mistakes from Norris and Piastri have allowed Verstappen to reappear in their mirrors, and that’s never a comforting sight. Singapore offers them the chance to reassert their hierarchy, but it will require flawless execution.

Ferrari, meanwhile, arrives still without a win this season. The track could provide some room to maneuver, especially in suspension setup and car balance, which should be less stressed than in Baku. Yet the SF-25 remains a balanced car that doesn’t truly excel in any area, meaning luck will also play a role in chasing a good result. Add in the risks of Leclerc overdriving or Hamilton holding back from taking risks, and the challenge becomes even tougher. Vasseur’s repeated calls to “maximize performance” are starting to sound stale.

Mercedes, too, faces potential struggles, likely dealing with tire overheating and unable to capitalize on heavy braking zones as they did in Baku. Meanwhile, Antonelli looks set to remain for another season, but 2026 will be make-or-break for his career. Russell isn’t entirely secure either, as his contract extension has yet to be finalized.

Singapore remains one of the trickiest races of the calendar: scorching heat, tire degradation, the constant threat of safety cars, and the importance of nailing a perfect qualifying lap make every detail matter. Ferrari knows this all too well, still haunted by its 2017 self-inflicted disaster, while Verstappen knows exactly how to turn others’ mistakes into opportunities. For McLaren, this could be a decisive test—perhaps more than the team itself realizes.

© Simone Marchetti Cavalieri

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