Lando Norris sees Singapore 2026 as a test weekend, but doubts the sprint will thrill fans.
The Marina Bay Street Circuit hosts its inaugural sprint, giving teams just one practice lap before racing, a tough ask for the new‑spec cars.
Why Norris thinks the sprint could fall flat
When asked about his excitement for the sprint, the Brit remained uncertain.
He admitted the street layout may not produce the best sprint ever. Still, tackling FP1, qualifying and the rapid pace‑up on a street track promises a huge challenge, which he welcomes.
With only one sprint left in 2026, the chance to snag 33 points vanishes after this weekend – a missed opportunity in my view.
This weekend may highlight Norris’s strengths
The champion was later probed about McLaren’s chances after a string of strong sprint runs.
| Sprint | Lando Norris | Oscar Piastri |
|---|---|---|
| China | P4 | P6 |
| Miami | P1 | P2 |
| Canada | P2 | P4 |
| Britain | P3 | P7 |
| Netherlands | P3 | P5 |
He replied, “I think so. I still trust we can race well and stay competitive. Street circuits are tricky, and sprint formats add pressure. My strength lies in finding limits quickly with limited time.
He added, “After three sessions we’ll be within a few hundredths of each other, maybe a tenth or two. The real test is mastering pace in a single run. That challenge excites me, and I hope it pays off this weekend.
At Zandvoort, Charles Leclerc overtook Norris for second in the sprint, leaving Norris third despite McLaren’s lack of outright speed.
Marina Bay remains a hard‑to‑pass circuit with few overtaking spots, yet Norris relishes the test.
He says the venue is simply fun, affecting driving less than the track’s character, which clicks with his style instantly.
Generally the car performs well here, and he finds the bumps and corner layout demanding but enjoyable – a tough track he likes.
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– The Team