Norris Hopeful McLaren Straightline Speed Issue Fixed
Lando Norris has expressed hope that McLaren has resolved a straightline speed deficit that affected his car in Baku and Sepang. The issue, linked to a fuel system problem on his Mercedes power unit, cost him positions in qualifying at those events. McLaren made peripheral engine changes ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix to address it.
Norris expresses optimism ahead of Marina Bay
Lando Norris indicated that McLaren has worked to resolve a straightline speed deficit that hampered his car in Baku and Sepang.[1] The issue involved a fuel injection problem on his Mercedes power unit and cost him positions in qualifying at those rounds.[2]
McLaren implemented peripheral changes to the power unit for the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. Norris said he is hopeful the fixes will deliver improvement, though he stressed the need to verify performance on track first.[3]
Singapore context
Singapore features fewer long straights than Baku or Sepang, reducing the immediate impact of any residual top-speed shortfall. The tight street circuit emphasizes traction, braking stability, and qualifying pace over outright straightline velocity.
Related reading
- [1]McLaren targets Norris' costly fuel system issue with Singapore F1 power unit fixes (motorsport). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- [2]Lando Norris hopeful McLaren has found fix for mystery F1 car speed loss (crash). Accessed 2026-10-08.
- [3]Lando Norris uncertain McLaren can fix 'painful' straight-line speed issue ahead of Singapore Grand Prix (skysports). Accessed 2026-10-08.