Six editions since 2018, six different winners. Singapore doesn’t do repeats unless they’re on the replay screen. This time, Russell owned the night, managing tyres, traffic and temperature with poise.

Behind him, Max Verstappen wrestled a difficult Red Bull into second, while Lando Norris bagged third for McLaren. Championship leader Oscar Piastri shadowed home in fourth, a papaya double that had significance tonight. McLaren clinched the Constructors’ Championship, back-to-back, needing only 13 points and collecting far more. Somewhere in Woking, the lights won’t be going off anytime soon.

How the race was won

Does Singapore still reward the front-row bully? On evidence, yes. Russell’s start was neat rather than nuclear, exactly what you want on a night when the track will happily punish enthusiasm. Once he cleared Turn 1, the job became part thermodynamics, part tempo. Manage the 4.927km rhythm, keep the fronts alive for rotation, and don’t get greedy with the kerbs. He played it like a metronome.

For those counting, this was the 11th win from pole in 16 renditions of the Singapore Grand Prix. Overtaking remains a contact sport with concrete, and the driver who controls the first stint usually controls the story.

McLaren’s night of numbers

Yes, the race winner wore silver, but the trophy engraver for the big one will be etching McLaren. The papaya pair finished P3 and P4, enough to slam the door on the Constructors’ with six rounds to spare. It’s their 10th title, and it feels earned the old-fashioned way.

Russell remains fourth in the Drivers’ standings on 212 points, chasing the McLaren duo  Piastri (324) and Norris (299)  with Verstappen (255) lodged between them and Mercedes’ spearhead.

Six races remain, beginning with the United States Grand Prix on 19 October in Texas.

Two years ago, Russell left here with the sort of last-lap ache that wakes you at 3am. Tonight, he left with the chequered flag and a neat line under the ledger.

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As of October 6, the 50th anniversary of its first F1 Constructor’s Championship win with driver Emerson Fittipaldi, McLaren has another reason to celebrate: the unveiling of its newest supercar, the W1.

For those who are well-versed in McLaren’s lineage, the W1 is the spiritual successor to the McLaren F1 of the ’90s and the P1 of the 2010s. The price tag? A cool US$2.1 million.

However, McLaren is justifying that price tag with what they describe as “the ultimate expression of a McLaren supercar.” Rear-wheel drive, eight-speed hybrid, and an experience that takes you right to the edge of automotive engineering.

What makes the W1 stand out is its hybrid powertrain. With 1,258bhp and a jaw-dropping 1339Nm of torque, the W1 is McLaren’s most powerful machine to date, thanks to its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine combined with an electric motor.

For McLaren, the appeal of hybrids goes beyond just sheer power. It’s about delivering what Jamie Corstorphine, McLaren’s Director of Product Planning, describes as “the first principles of a real supercar”; a visceral, seat-of-your-pants connection between driver and machine.

Pure electric vehicles may offer speed, but for McLaren, they lack the soul that makes driving feel alive.

Not that hybrid tech is anything new for McLaren. They’ve been honing this craft for over a decade, starting with the legendary 903hp P1, launched in 2013. That same year, Porsche’s 918 Spyder and Ferrari’s LaFerrari hit the roads, forming a trinity of electrified hypercars that rewrote the rulebook for performance.

Since then, McLaren has continued to evolve its hybrid tech. The US$2.3 million Speedtail debuted in 2018, followed by the more “affordable” hybrid, the US$233,000 Artura, in 2021. There’s even a hybrid SUV in the works.

But the W1 takes things to a different level. Unlike the Artura, which offers 31km of electric-only driving, the W1 isn’t too fussed about efficiency. On electric power alone, it’ll cover just under 3km.

So, if you’re looking for a green city car, this might not be your ideal match.

But if you want the fastest road-legal McLaren ever made, this is it. The W1 can sprint from 0 to 200 km/h in a blistering 5.8 seconds and hit 299 km/h in just 12.7 seconds; faster than McLaren’s own Speedtail.

And in a nod to the exclusivity McLaren fans crave, only 399 of these W1s will be made. All have already been spoken for, with deliveries scheduled for 2026. If you didn’t snag one, you’re out of luck.

So, what about McLaren’s all-electric ambitions? Despite rumblings from the company’s higher-ups in recent years, a fully electric McLaren supercar is still a distant dream. “We do not think the technology will be sufficiently mature until the end of the decade,” a spokesperson shared, with the biggest hurdle being the weight of current battery technology.

For those lucky 399 who’ll get to drive one, the wait until 2026 will surely be worth it.

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Red Bull recently scrapped their plans for a fan-designed livery at the Singapore and US Grand Prix, citing concerns about the added weight.

But McLaren has swooped in to unveil their own one-off paint job for this weekend’s race, with a design that harks back to their iconic red and white Marlboro-liveried glory days of the 70s and 80s.

Unlike Red Bull’s cancelled designs, McLaren’s new look is more of a colour swap than an addition of weight.

The refreshed look is part of McLaren’s ongoing “Legend’s Reborn” campaign, which kicked off earlier this year in Monaco with a green-and-yellow Senna-inspired livery. This time, McLaren pays homage to its historic rise to F1 dominance, plastering the names of 13 legendary drivers, including the late Ayrton Senna, around the cockpit area of the car.

For F1 fans, it’s a nod to McLaren’s early days, from Emerson Fittipaldi’s championship-winning M23 in 1974 to Mika Hakkinen’s reign in the ‘90s. That era’s red and white livery reached its zenith with the MP4 series, but after a brief stint in black, McLaren reintroduced papaya orange in 2017.

Now, while the design may feel like a tribute to the past, there’s a modern twist in the form of McLaren’s partnership with OKX, a cryptocurrency exchange. McLaren’s Chief Marketing Officer, Louise McEwen, added, “Following this year’s Senna campaign, this livery further embodies our partnership with OKX as we continue to deliver unique storytelling campaigns for McLaren fans and OKX customers globally.” 

It’s hard not to notice the irony here; where once tobacco sponsorship dominated F1’s liveries, today it’s cryptocurrency exchanges stepping into the spotlight. 

McLaren’s MCL38, now decked out in its striking white and orange, will have to do more than just look good this weekend. With Lando Norris trailing championship leader Max Verstappen by 59 points, the British driver has a mountain to climb if he hopes to make a dent in that gap. 

Fortunately, the high-downforce, high-temperature conditions of the Marina Bay street circuit are expected to play to McLaren’s strengths.

Photo Credits: Formula 1 Content Pool

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Starting with the race in Zandvoort, Netherlands, the partnership now extends to McLaren’s F1 Academy Team, with NTT DATA becoming an Official Partner. This means their logo will proudly appear on the race car of rising star Bianca Bustamante, representing the team for the rest of the 2024 season and beyond.

NTT DATA has been instrumental in supporting the team with data strategies, scaling analytical capabilities, and sponsoring the NTT DATA Strategy Control engineering centre that travels with the team to every track.

Matt Dennington, Co-Chief Commercial Officer of McLaren Racing, is understandably excited. “We are delighted to further develop our partnership with NTT DATA into the world of F1 Academy,” he says. It’s clear that this partnership has been on a strong trajectory, building on their success in IndyCar. 

More importantly, it’s about supporting the future of motorsport. “We’re proud to work closely with our partners to continue to open up motorsport to female drivers,” Dennington adds. It’s a powerful statement, underscoring McLaren’s commitment to increasing diversity in what has long been a male-dominated sport.

NTT DATA’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mona Charif, echoes that sentiment. “As a trusted global innovator of business and technology services, NTT DATA is proud to be associated with F1 Academy to support emerging talent and promote diversity across all levels of motorsport,” she explains.

The partnership reflects shared values between the two firms, values rooted in creating opportunities for female drivers and pushing for a more equal playing field both on and off the track.

With NTT DATA’s expertise and McLaren’s drive to push boundaries, this collaboration is setting a new pace for the sport, making it more inclusive and future-ready.

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Having been at McLaren since 2018, Charlotte brings experience from her decade-long tenure in luxury automotive roles across Europe and the Middle East.

Charlotte’s journey with McLaren has been marked by significant achievements, including expanding the brand’s footprint across the Asia Pacific market, optimising inventory across its extensive network of 17 retailers, and bolstering profitability and sales records in the region.

This has not only cemented her reputation as a formidable leader but also contributed to strengthening the residual values of McLaren’s model lines.

In her new role, Charlotte Dickson will oversee operations across a swath of territories including Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, represented by 22 showrooms. Her leadership is poised to further McLaren’s legacy as a pioneering luxury supercar brand in these markets.

“I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead Asia Pacific at a pivotal moment of the brand and product portfolio growth with the recent unveiling of McLaren Artura Spider and the future models that will continue to define McLaren cars,” she added. “I look forward to raising the McLaren brand and its presence for its second decade and beyond in Asia Pacific.”

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The McLaren Artura Spider has just zipped into Singapore, not long after its grand unveiling in Yokohama.

Built on the robust backbone of McLaren’s Carbon Lightweight Architecture, the Artura Spider weighs in at just 1,560kg, barely a whisper heavier than its coupe sibling, thanks to the meticulous use of materials.

Despite shedding its roof, the Artura retains impressive structural integrity, eliminating the need for heavy reinforcements.

At the touch of a button, the Artura’s roof folds away in a mere 11 seconds, even when you’re breezing at 50km/h. And it’s not just any roof; it’s a sleek carbon fibre number, optionally fitted with an Electrochromic glass panel that adjusts cabin brightness at your whim.

The Artura’s aerodynamically tuned rear buttresses not only protect in a rollover but also smartly guide air to cool the engine and even the stowed roof. That’s thoughtful design, and one that might greatly help cooling which was a known problem with the coupe Autura.

Inside, it’s all about the driver. The cockpit is a minimalist’s dream with essential controls intuitively placed within easy reach, enhancing both focus and function.

The infotainment system is all streamlined with high-definition screens, ensuring everything you need is just a tap away.

Under the hood roars a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, paired with an axial flux E-motor. Together, they unleash 690bhp and 720Nm of torque, sending the Artura Spider from zero to hero in just three seconds. And yes, the V6 has been tuned up to squeeze out an extra 20bhp for those who crave that little bit extra.

The Artura can even slip into a zero-emissions mode, where a fully charged 7.4kWh lithium-ion battery lets it glide silently at speeds up to 140km/h. Perfect for an evening jaunt along less-travelled paths, though keep an eye on that range.

Handling is sharper than ever with an improved ProActive Damping Control that responds 90% faster, paired with enhanced damper valving and new cooling ducts for the brakes.

This ensures the Artura Spider not only flies but also dances gracefully around corners and stops on a dime.

Priced starting from a cool SGD $1.3 million before the usual extras, the Artura Spider is poised to start gracing our roads by late 2024.

How’s that for turning heads and setting hearts racing?

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Whenever one talks about a true track experience, images of unbridled speed, eye-widening corners, and the sheer joy of pushing limits come to mind. Imagine having all this without a single civilian car in sight, no speed limits to curtail your fun, and the luxury of wide corners all to yourself.

Now, take that and add the allure of McLaren’s latest engineering marvel – the sleek, robust, and astonishingly potent 750S.

So, when an invitation was extended to test drive McLaren’s array of supercars, including the new 750S, it was a no-brainer. The next thing I knew, I was on a 4:00 am flight to Kuala Lumpur.

McLaren is synonymous with speed, but the 750S is power redefined. Building on the formidable foundations of the 720S, this beast introduces enhancements in power, aerodynamics, and weight reduction, achieving a staggering 740bhp (or 750ps, true to its name) and 800Nm of torque from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine.

Weighing in at only 1,389kg, the 750S rocks the century sprint in a mere 2.8 seconds, hitting 200km/h in just 7.2 seconds, with the potential to soar to a top speed of 332km/h – if you dare.

Yet, McLaren’s mastery is not just about the breathtaking speed. It’s the way the 750S handles – the precision of its steering, and the intelligence of its suspension system transforms it from a fast car to a remarkable driving experience.

On the racetrack, this translates to an exhilarating dance along the edge of physics, where every steering input and throttle adjustment is met with an immediate and precise response.

5,544m-long racetrack, check. Incredibly fast McLaren, check. Empty bladder, check.

With sprawling straights and challenging bends, Sepang is the perfect playground for the 750S.

Here, you can unleash the 750S to speeds over 250km/h, and reel it in with its formidable carbon ceramic brakes as you approach the bends.

Navigating technical corners becomes second nature in the 750S. Its agility and balance, particularly under heavy braking, make it a champion of the track, obedient to every command, yet always reminding you of its raw power and the need to handle it with respect. It interacts, pushing you to sharpen your skills with every lap.

Driving the 750S here truly reveals the true extent of its capabilities, which remain largely untapped on regular roads. It’s a machine that begs for the rigours of a racetrack, where its spirit and engineering can truly shine.

During this event, not only did the 750S leave an indelible mark, but so did its siblings – the Artura and GT.

This day on the track was more than enough proof that each car, whether designed for the track, grand touring, or as a hybrid performance supercar, confirmed that McLaren’s commitment to track-ready joy is uncompromised.

If I have to wake up at an ungodly hour again to catch a flight, you best believe it will be to get behind the wheel of a McLaren.

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McLaren Singapore has been named as one of British supercar makers’ top 12 global retailers, and one of ten retailers representing the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, in recognition of its exceptional performance over the past 12 months.

Becoming part of McLaren’s Premier Club, McLaren Singapore joins 11 other McLaren retailers from around the world in the first stage of the supercar company’s annual competition to celebrate the highest standards of business, sales and customer service within the global McLaren retailer network which now covers 109 retailers in over 40 territories.

“Many congratulations to McLaren Singapore for their outstanding success in 2023. The McLaren Retailer of the Year awards epitomises excellence among our top retailers, showcasing their exceptional service to McLaren supercar owners.”

In recognition of their unwavering passion and dedication in 2023, it gives me great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to McLaren Singapore into the Premier Club of our top retailers,” said George Biggs, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, McLaren Automotive.

“We are honoured and excited to receive this recognition from McLaren for our accomplishments in 2023.”

“This award holds profound significance for our entire team, whose unwavering dedication has been pivotal in embodying 60 years of McLaren excellence and consistently exceeding the expectations of our loyal customers,” said Chong Kah Wei, Managing Director, McLaren Singapore.

McLaren Singapore now goes forward to the next round of the awards competition to find winners of each of the regions (Europe, Middle East and Africa; Asia Pacific and China; and The Americas).

The McLaren regional winners for Europe, the Middle East and Africa; Asia Pacific and China; and The Americas, culminating in the crowning of the overall McLaren Global Retailer of the Year 2023 will be announced later this year.

As well as being acclaimed as the world’s top McLaren retailer, the winner of the overall title will see their name engraved on the Retailer of the Year trophy which will go on display in the famous McLaren Technology Centre trophy cabinet at the heart of McLaren Automotive in Woking, UK.

Regional winners will each receive a Premier Club trophy to display in their showrooms.

This is the eighth year of the McLaren Retailer of the Year award, recognised around the world as a gold standard of supercar customer service and retail business administration.

To determine each winner, McLaren Automotive benchmarks multiple areas of business on a monthly basis using a digital scorecard.

The retail network is measured against various areas including new and used sales, parts, service, options uptake and operational excellence, all weighted to ensure retailers of all sizes can compete on an even basis.

“2023 was an important year for McLaren in the APACHI region. Just as McLaren exemplifies a commitment to high performance and customer satisfaction, McLaren Singapore mirrors these values with an unwavering dedication to its customer base thus creating a passionate and close-knit
community.”

“My APAC team and I take immense pride in McLaren Singapore’s remarkable achievements, showcasing excellence in representing McLaren so exceptionally within this region,” said Paul Harris, Regional Managing Director, Asia Pacific & China.

Photo Credits: McLaren, McLaren Singapore, and Sean Loo

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McLaren has unveiled the Artura Spider, marking the brand’s debut in the realm of hybrid convertibles.

This new convertible features a retractable hard top crafted from carbon fibre, capable of smoothly deploying and retracting in just 11 seconds while cruising at speeds up to 50 km/h. 

Not just a marvel of engineering, the roof’s design has been meticulously shaped to efficiently whisk away hot air from the powertrain.

Additionally, the windscreen surround of the Artura Spider has been reimagined with small gurneys to reduce cabin buffeting when the roof is down.

Thanks to its carbon fibre roof, the McLaren Artura Spider boasts a featherweight status, tipping the scales at a mere 1,475 kg, making it the lightest among its convertible peers. 

Beneath this lightweight wonder lies McLaren’s Carbon Lightweight Architecture, ensuring the convertible maintains its rigidity even with the fixed roof stowed away.

For those seeking a touch of customisation, McLaren offers an electrochromic roof panel option for the Artura Spider. This innovative panel can adjust the cabin’s brightness or darkness, using Suspended Particle technology to keep the cabin cool by blocking solar energy, effectively blocking out 99% of sunlight.

The Artura Spider’s engine has been enhanced, boosting the output of its 3.0-litre V6 by 20bhp, bringing the total powertrain output to an impressive 690bhp, with peak torque hitting a formidable 720Nm.

This potent engine is complemented by an electric motor powered by a 7.4kWh battery, providing the car with an electric-only range of 33 km.

Inside, the Artura Spider offers three distinct interior specifications: ‘Performance’ for a sportier look, ‘TechLux’ focusing on technical luxury, and ‘Vision’ for a more adventurous feel. 

Exterior and interior carbon fibre trims are also available, along with a choice between a no-cost Silver badging option or a stealth badging option, which includes black badges at the front and rear, as well as a black McLaren Speedmark on the wheel centre caps, now standard fit.

The enhancements in power, performance, and driver engagement have not only been applied to the Artura Spider but also to the Artura Coupe, promising the highest levels of dynamic performance while meeting the demands of everyday driving and near-silent electric drive, making it ideal for urban use.

Owners of earlier Artura Coupes can also enjoy this power upgrade at no extra cost, further enhancing the driving experience of McLaren’s groundbreaking vehicles.

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As we usher in the Year of the Dragon with grandeur, two titans of the automotive world have recently made their majestic entrance.

Hosted by Eurokars Supersports at Shangri-La Singapore, the luncheon saw the launch of the Pagani Utopia and McLaren 750S Spider.

The Pagani Utopia, a name that resonates with the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship, marks the third chapter in Pagani Automobili’s illustrious saga, following the legendary Zonda and Huayra.

Nestled within its sculpted frame lies a heart crafted by the wizards at Mercedes-AMG – a 6.0-litre V12 engine, unleashing 864hp and a staggering 1,100Nm of torque.

With only 99 of these beauties gracing the planet, each has already found a home with the world’s most discerning collectors.

This celebration marked the Utopia’s grand debut on Singaporean soil, a significant pit stop in its journey across the Asia Pacific.

Not to be overshadowed, the McLaren 750S Spider made its own statement. Building on the legacy of the 750S Coupe, this convertible boasts a composite retractable hard top, adding a mere 49kg over its sibling, and preserving the essence of McLaren’s pursuit of lightweight performance.

Powered by a roaring 4.0-litre V8 engine, the 750S Spider sprints the century mile in just 2.8 seconds, thanks to 740hp and 800Nm of torque. 

Eurokars Supersports also hinted that the 750S Spider is the first of several new launches planned for the McLaren brand this 2024, so stay tuned for more updates.

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