After Baku, the F1 circus moves to Singapore’s demanding Marina Bay circuit, promising a thrilling and physically taxing race.
The Marina Bay circuit is renowned for its lively races and the physical challenge it poses. Indeed, the race often lasts two hours and takes place in heat and humidity, at unusual times.
The Layout
Turn 1 – On the pit straight, cars reach speeds near 290 km/h before the heavy braking of Sheares (turn 1). Drivers must beware of bumps before committing to the turn.
Turn 5 – Another bumpy entry before a difficult right-hand corner negotiated at medium speed. Turn 5 leads into the fastest stretch of the circuit with a small kink (turn 6) taken at full throttle.
Turn 7 – Competitors finish the straight by braking from over 300 km/h before tackling turn 7, a 90-degree left.
Turn 10 – This tight sequence remains tricky despite some changes. Turn 10 leads to a right-left (turns 11 and 12) before the hairpin of turn 13, the slowest of the circuit’s twenty-three turns.
Turn 14 – Turn 14 begins the section of the hotel that once weaved between the stands. Now, it precedes a long fast section up to the chicane at turns 16 and 17.
Turn 15 – Now a single fast turn precedes a unique chicane in this final sector, unlike the sequence of right-angle turns of the old layout. This chicane leads to the last very fast turns.
Turns 18-19 – Indeed, the former turns 22 and 23 are the fastest curves of the layout. Very tight, the pit entry is on the left. Aim for the two apexes before widening onto the pit straight.
The Contenders
Ferrari will once again be the team to watch this weekend, as the Scuderia performed strongly in Singapore in 2023 despite tire degradation, which is no longer an issue. However, it can certainly count on two major rivals.
Indeed, McLaren F1 and Mercedes had challenged Carlos Sainz until the finish last year, and there is no doubt that both teams will be eager to demonstrate their progress on a track that should particularly suit the MCL38.
Red Bull had faced difficulties last year, in the midst of a season they otherwise dominated, and it could be the case again, as the team has been struggling recently, and the curbs at Marina Bay circuit could be detrimental to the RB20.
Behind them, it will be interesting to see if Williams can maintain its good form in the pack, especially as the team continues to seek improvements. Aston Martin will normally remain the benchmark of the second group but, given the tight margins, surprises could occur.
Singapore Grand Prix Schedule
Thanks to its status as a night race, the Singapore Grand Prix enjoys European-friendly timings despite the time difference, with earlier hours than races held on the Old Continent. The qualifying takes place at 15:00 and the race at 14:00.
| Day | Date | Time | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | September 20 | 11:30-12:30 | Free Practice 1 |
| 15:00-16:00 | Free Practice 2 | ||
| Saturday | September 21 | 11:30-12:30 | Free Practice 3 |
| 15:00-16:00 | Qualifications | ||
| Sunday | September 22 | 14:00-16:00 | Race |
Winners of the Singapore Grand Prix
| Year | Circuit | winner | Team | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Marina Bay | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 2022 | Marina Bay | Sergio Pérez | Red Bull | Honda |
| 2019 | Marina Bay | Sebastian Vettel | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 2018 | Marina Bay | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2017 | Marina Bay | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2016 | Marina Bay | Nico Rosberg | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2015 | Marina Bay | Sebastian Vettel | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 2014 | Marina Bay | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2013 | Marina Bay | Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull | Renault |
| 2012 | Marina Bay | Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull | Renault |
| 2011 | Marina Bay | Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull | Renault |
| 2010 | Marina Bay | Fernando Alonso | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 2009 | Marina Bay | Lewis Hamilton | McLaren | Mercedes |
| 2008 | Marina Bay | Fernando Alonso | Renault | Renault |
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