Formula 1 goes racing in Singapore this weekend around the tricky and complex Marina Bay Street Circuit. As is tradition, predictions about the “winners and losers” are already in full swing. And according to George Russell, Ferrari and McLaren are expected to be right in the mix.
Coming from the streets of Baku with disappointing results in the previous round, both McLaren and Ferrari have surely arrived in Singapore determined to turn things around. On paper, they might have the upper hand.
Russell points to Ferrari and McLaren as potential contenders for the weekend
Singapore’s street circuit is long and demanding, and some teams thrive under its city lights. Last year, Lando Norris converted his pole position into a race win, with a commanding 20-second margin.
In the years before, however, it was Ferrari that set the benchmark on Qualifying Saturdays, securing pole positions for three consecutive rounds around Marina Bay.
Sizzling pace under the Singapore lights 🔥@LandoNorris cruises to a third career win 👏#F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/X9xeaYcQTT
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 22, 2024
When asked about his expectations for this year, Russell confirmed the recent form of teams around the circuit.
“I think the last two years, we’ve been reasonably good. Ferrari are often very strong here. They were on pole two years ago […] And of course, we know McLaren at the hot races, high tyre degradation circuits, are exceptionally strong.”
While the Mercedes driver has not necessarily counted himself out of contention for the weekend, he confirmed that both Ferrari and McLaren have a good track record around the circuit. Whether that translates into the weekend is another story.
Are Ferrari and McLaren truly in contention at Marina Bay?
At this point in the season, McLaren clearly has a competitive, and at most tracks, dominant car. Norris confirmed this by saying that the McLaren duo have enjoyed a fast car “for 95% of the races” this season.
McLaren’s MCL39 outperforms on tyre degradation, thanks to an efficient brake and wheel cooling system – a crucial advantage in Singapore’s scorching heat. When combined with their consistent form this season, the British outfit is a serious contender for this weekend.
🚨 | Charles Leclerc on where Ferrari will have a chance to win this season:
“Singapore, maybe Baku and Las Vegas are maybe the tracks we are a bit closer to win a race. But I think we are third favourites – maybe if Red Bull struggles maybe second but never the first ones so it…
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) September 7, 2025
Ferrari, by contrast, has struggled with cooling issues throughout the season, often forcing drivers to lift and coast around high-demand circuits. Should those problems resurface under the lights of Marina Bay, it could spell trouble.
Although Leclerc marked Singapore as a favourable race for Ferrari, the team’s latest outings leave question marks over what to expect this weekend.
Looking purely at recent history, both teams belong in the conversation. But judging by their 2025 machinery, McLaren certainly has the upper hand.
