McLaren Racing heads into the Singapore Grand Prix as Formula 1's hot new darlings, the papaya-drenched team that just may be the ones to finally dethrone Red Bull and Max Verstappen. Red Bull and its Dutch driver have had ironclad grips on both the drivers championship,

Team advisor Helmut Marko has delivered a scathing assessment of Max Verstappen's performance in a telling admission of the RB20's struggles. The three-time champion finished Friday's second practice session in a dismal 15th place, a staggering 1.294 seconds behind pace-setter and championship rival Lando Norris.

The three-time world champion was called to see the stewards in Singapore following the first free practice session on Friday, after which the FIA announced that he was in breach of their international sporting code and would be forced to undertake duties similar to community service within F1.

Oscar Piastri’s win last week at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix put McLaren top in the teams’ standings — the key to F1’s lavish prize money — but teammate Norris only took a small bite out of Verstappen’s lead.

Formula 1's governing body have reached a verdict over the the legality of McLaren's 2024 car. The announcement comes after the team's main championship rivals, Red Bull, previously raised questions regarding whether the papaya rear wing complied with the sport's rules.

The Dutchman was punished for using an expletive during a session with the media on Thursday. In his 15-minute meeting with the officials, it is understood Verstappen apologised for his language, which comes just days after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced a crackdown on swearing and other vulgar terms.

Red Bull says that “nothing is working” with its Formula 1 car in Singapore after a disappointing opening day of practice. While Sergio Perez ended up eighth overall in the more representative second session,

Azerbaijan pulled the ultimate twist in the 2024 season’s constructors title decider. McLaren took the lead in the constructors standings by a 20 point margin with Red Bull, thanks to drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris‘ top five finishes.

With Ferrari, Mercedes pushing hard, McLaren will still have to battle at a track where Red Bull is off the pace and Verstappen has never won.