Singapore Grand Prix

Singapore Grand Prix

2023 Singapore Grand Prix

Marina Bay Circuit Details

Lap length: 5.063 km
No of laps: 62
Race distance: 308.706 km
Direction: Anticlockwise
Race lap record: 1:41.905, Kevin Magnussen, Haas-Ferrari, 2018
Fastest Lap: 1:36.015, Lewis Hamilton (Q3), Mercedes, 2018

The Singapore Grand Prix is held on the Marina Bay Street Circuit and has been a part of the FIA Formula One World Championship since 2008. The Grand Prix broke new ground in Formula One as it became the first Grand Prix to be held at night.

The race starts at 8 pm Singapore Standard Time which is at GMT+8.00. That is the time when the European Grands Prix start. That makes it convenient to broadcast live in Europe. The streets can be easily illuminated at night and the streets are closed to the public.

Held against the backdrop of the magnificent Singapore skyline, the Grand Prix has become a permanent feature of Formula One calendar year since 2008.

The current contract that the organisers have with the FIA ensures that the Singapore Grand Prix will be on the calendar through until the 2028 F1 season.

Singapore is a small city-state and is among the smallest nations in the world. It is a good place to visit at any time of the year. During the race, Singapore attracts up to 40,000 international Formula One fans. The country is also among the most developed nations and is one of the best shopping centres in the Orient.

Having a tropical climate, the temperature and humidity do not vary much over the year. The average temperature is 32 degrees during the day time to 25 degrees during the nights. Thunderstorms can be expected any day but are not frequent. Humidity can be as high as 80 during the race days.

Why is Singapore Grand Prix special?

The Singapore Grand Prix is special for several reasons:

1) It’s the only night race on the Formula One calendar: The Singapore Grand Prix is unique because it is the only race on the Formula One calendar that is held entirely at night. This makes for a stunning visual spectacle, as the cars race through the brightly lit streets of Singapore.

2) The circuit is challenging: The Marina Bay Street Circuit, where the Singapore Grand Prix takes place, is one of the most challenging tracks on the Formula One calendar. The circuit is a mix of tight corners and long straights, which makes for exciting racing and plenty of overtaking opportunities.

3) The atmosphere is electric: The Singapore Grand Prix is known for its electric atmosphere, with thousands of fans packing into the grandstands to watch the race. The city of Singapore also comes alive during the Grand Prix weekend, with a host of events and activities taking place around the circuit.

4) The race has a unique history: The Singapore Grand Prix has a unique history, having first been held in 2008. The race is also known for the infamous “crashgate” scandal in 2008, when Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed his car to help his teammate win the race.

Overall, the Singapore Grand Prix is a special event that combines exciting racing with a unique atmosphere and history. It’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular races on the Formula One calendar!

What is Singapore like during Grand Prix?

During the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, the city of Singapore comes alive with a host of events and activities. Here are some of the things that Singapore is like during the Grand Prix:

1) Electric atmosphere: The Singapore Grand Prix is known for its electric atmosphere, with thousands of fans packing into the grandstands to watch the race. The city is buzzing with excitement, and there is a palpable energy in the air.

2) Nightlife: Singapore is known for its vibrant nightlife, and this is especially true during the Grand Prix weekend. Many bars and clubs stay open late to cater to the influx of visitors, and there are plenty of parties and events taking place around the city.

3) Street parties: In addition to the official events at the circuit, there are also a number of street parties that take place around the city during the Grand Prix weekend. These parties are a great way to experience the atmosphere of the race, and often feature live music and entertainment.

4) Food and drink: Singapore is known for its diverse and delicious food, and the Grand Prix weekend is no exception. There are plenty of food and drink stalls around the circuit, as well as many restaurants and bars in the city that offer special deals and promotions during the race.

5) Tourist attractions: Singapore is a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of attractions to explore during the Grand Prix weekend. From the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel to the historic Chinatown district, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Overall, Singapore is a vibrant and exciting city during the Grand Prix weekend, with plenty of events and activities to keep visitors entertained. Whether you’re a racing fan or just looking to experience the atmosphere of the race, the Singapore Grand Prix is a must-see event.

How hot is Singapore F1?

The Singapore Grand Prix is known for being one of the hottest and most humid races on the Formula One calendar, with temperatures often reaching around 30°C (86°F) during the day and around 25°C (77°F) at night. The high temperatures and humidity can make the race physically demanding for drivers, who often lose several kilograms of body weight over the course of the race.

In addition to the high temperatures, the Singapore Grand Prix is also unique in that it is held entirely at night. While this may seem like it would make the race cooler, the high humidity levels mean that the temperatures can still be quite uncomfortable for drivers and spectators alike.

To cope with the heat and humidity, F1 drivers take a number of precautions during the race weekend. They drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, and often wear special cooling vests and helmets to help regulate their body temperature. They also undergo rigorous physical training in the weeks leading up to the race to prepare their bodies for the demands of the circuit.

The Singapore Grand Prix is one of the hottest and most physically demanding races on the Formula One calendar, with high temperatures and humidity levels that can make it a challenge for drivers and spectators alike.

Who will perform in F1 Singapore 2023?

As of the latest announcement, the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix is set to feature an impressive lineup of artists and performers to entertain fans over the Marina Bay race weekend. Among the big names scheduled to perform are Robbie Williams and Post Malone, with Kings of Leon, Culture Club, Madness, and Groove Armada also joining the entertainment lineup. In addition to these headliners, a diverse range of general stage acts are set to perform across the three-day event, featuring the likes of Boy George, Meg Mac, San Cisco, JOAN, Airliftz, aswekeepsearching, sunwich, and a host of talented local artists such as Dreebsby, Hijack Hayley, and Mathilde G.

What time does the F1 start in Singapore Grand Prix 2023?

The 2023 Singapore Grand Prix race is scheduled to begin at 8:00 pm local time on Sunday, September 17th. This corresponds to 12:00 pm GMT and 8:00 am New York time. The race will last for either 62 laps or 120 minutes, whichever is shorter.

Please note that the start time for the race is subject to change, and fans should check the official F1 app closer to the event for the most up-to-date information.

Is Singapore F1 worth it?

Attending the Singapore Grand Prix is an unforgettable experience that is definitely worth it for many racing fans. Here are some reasons why:

1) The unique night race format: The Singapore Grand Prix is the only night race on the Formula One calendar, and this makes for a truly unique and unforgettable experience. The city comes alive at night, with the circuit lit up by thousands of floodlights and the skyline illuminated in the background.

2) The electric atmosphere: The Singapore Grand Prix is known for its electric atmosphere, with thousands of fans packing into the grandstands to watch the race. The city is buzzing with excitement, and there is a palpable energy in the air.

3) The entertainment lineup: In addition to the racing action, the Singapore Grand Prix also features an impressive lineup of international artists and performers. The 2023 lineup includes big names like Robbie Williams, Post Malone, and Kings of Leon, as well as a host of talented local and regional artists.

4) The city itself: Singapore is a vibrant and exciting city with plenty to see and do. From the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel to the historic Chinatown district, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Overall, attending the Singapore Grand Prix is definitely worth it for racing fans who are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience. With its unique night race format, electric atmosphere, impressive entertainment lineup, and vibrant city, the Singapore Grand Prix is a must-see event for any racing fan.

How did the Singapore Grand Prix start?

The first non-championship race was organised on the Thomson Road Circuit and was called the Orient Year Grand Prix. The race was renamed the Malaysian Grand Prix the following year. On Singapore gaining independence in 1965, the race was named the Singapore Grand Prix.
 
Post-1973 no Grand Prix races were held in Singapore. It might be that the Thomson Road Circuit was too dangerous and risky for racing. It could also be that the traffic in Singapore had increased exponentially and it was difficult to close the road to the public. The fatal accidents in 1972 and 1973 also might have weighed in on the decision.
 
In 2008, Bernie Eccelstone, the then Chief Executive of Formula One, announced the signing of a deal with Singapore GP Pte Ltd and the Singapore Tourism Board. The agreement promised Singapore the rights to host the Championship Grand Prix for 5 years.
 
The Singapore Grand Prix was strongly backed by the Singaporean government who put up 60 per cent of the costs of holding the event. The event was held to a full house of 110,000 Formula One fans and was a spectacular success.

Marina Bay Circuit: Changes made over time

The 2008 Singapore Grand Prix was a massive success with the fans, organisers and the FIA. But the Formula One drivers were not impressed either by the track or in the way the race was won by Fernando Alonso. The hot and humid conditions did not help either.

Fernando Alonso, having won the pole position dominated the race till his pitstop. Alonso was released early from the pit stop and broke the fuel rig, thus dropping to the last place. Renault was later found to have ordered Nelson Piquet Jr, to crash. The safety car that emerged benefited Alonso who ultimately won the race.

The climate in Singapore at the end of September is very hot and humid. Drivers are known to lose more than 3 kgs of fluid during the race because of temperatures reaching in more than 60 degrees centigrade in the cockpit. Drivers often take ice baths before and after their race to keep their body temperatures low.

Many drivers complained that the track was bumpy. Lewis Hamilton commented that the track was twice as hard manoeuvre on that the Monaco Street Circuit. He also felt that driver’s needed twice the energy for one lap in the Singapore race than in the Monaco race.

The next year turns 1, 2, and 3 were slightly modified to enable overtaking. The high kerbs on turn 10, which caused many incidents in 2008, were also changed. Lewis Hamilton secured pole position and easily won the race. Fernando Alonso finished third as Renault was penalised for interfering in the race the previous year.

Fernando Alonso won the 2010 Singapore Grand Prix becoming the first man to win the race twice. Heikki Kovalainen leapt out of his car and extinguished the fire his car had caught, with a borrowed fire extinguisher. Sebastian Vettel finished second.

Sebastian Vettel was leading the Championship race by 100 points before he arrived at Marina Bay. He won the race from his 11th pole position of 2011 to add to his eight victories. Jenson Webber came in second while Mark Webber took the last place on the podium.

In 2012 Bernie Eccelstone had agreed that the Singapore Grand Prix will be on the F1 circus calendar year till 2017. Hamilton got the pole position but had to pull out at the start of the race with gearbox problems. Sebastian Vettel won the race for Red Bull-Renault.

The “Singapore Sling” chicane at turn 10 was eliminated in 2013 and cars now had a sweeping curve before approaching the Anderson Bridge. Sebastian Vettel secured his third straight Singapore Grand Prix win in anticipation of his fourth straight Championship title.

Singapore Airlines agreed to sponsor the Singapore Grand Prix since 2014 just as the FIA introduced the 1.5-litre turbo-powered cars to Formula One. Lewis Hamilton claimed his second Singapore event having won six races before that year.

Sebastian Vettel won the pole position at the 2015 race. Lewis Hamilton had to wait to emulate his idol, Ayrton Senna’s record of eight pole in a row as well as his 41 career pole records. Vettel went on to win his fourth Singapore Grand Prix that year, this time driving a Ferrari.

Nico Rosberg won the event in 2016, his 200th Grand Prix starts from pole position. He had to hold off Daniel Ricardo as Hamilton, his template in Mercedes retired with brake problems. Hamilton had also retired after electrical problems the previous year.

Lewis Hamilton saw his jinx at the race broken in 2017 after retirements the two previous years. He was competing with Sebastian Vettel for the title when Vettel’s car was involved in a collision at the first turn with Kimi Räikkönen and Max Verstappen. Hamilton won the race and increased his lead from 3 to 28 points.

In 2019 Lewis Hamilton, in a Mercedes, again increased his lead over Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari in the race for the title. Collisions and obstruction saw several drivers penalised during the race. Hamilton fought off Max Verstappen and beat him to the finish line increasing his lead over Vettel to 40 points.

A third DRS zone was introduced to the event in 2019 to facilitate overtaking. Lewis Hamilton was leading the race to the Championship by 63 points and was well on his way to the sixth title. Sebastian Vettel had other ideas and won the race while Hamilton did claim the Championship later on.

How is the Marina Bay Circuit today?

Despite the many changes implemented to the track, the track is still very harsh on drivers as well as cars. Although the race distance is above the 305 km approved by the FIA, the twisty circuit and the closeness of the track to the walls make it the slowest circuit on the Formula One calendar.
 
Even though the track is well lit during the race, adjusting to artificial light makes it difficult for drivers to adjust. The bumpiness of the track and the intense heat and humidity leads to fatigue for the drivers and creates problems for the naturally aspirated engines.
 
Remarkably, at least one safety car has been deployed in every race held at the Marina Bay circuit. This, and the slow speed of the circuit because of the many turns, results in the race extending to the full limit of two hours allowed by Formula One regulations.
 
The track has some ninety-degree turns and heavy braking zones. Overtaking is only possible at the end of the first sector where the cars attain maximum speed on the circuit. Runoff zones are provided at the end of the longer straights but do not meet Formula One specifications.
 
Despite these shortcomings, the Singapore Grand Prix attracts many international fans to the race. Although attendances have dropped in recent years, (89,333) from 2008, as many as 40,000 international visitors thronged to Singapore for the 2019 event.

A lap of the Marina Bay Circuit

The race starts not much after the last turn of the circuit along the first DRS zone along the Main Straight and alongside the pit lane. The cars accelerate up to 308 km/h braking to take the left-hand Turn 1 at 211km/h. Turns 1,2 and 3 forms an ‘S’ with Turn 3 being the tightest.

The cars take Turn 3 at 83 km/h and race down the Republic Boulevard to 260 km/h and brake down to 145 km/h to negotiate the right-hand Turn 5. They then race along the Raffles Boulevard past the lenient Turn 6 attaining speeds of 320 km/h before braking hard to 111 km/h for Turn 7.

Turns 7, 8 and 9 are a left-right-left combination and all the turns are slightly more acute than rights angles. Turn 7 offers overtaking opportunities after the long straight down the Raffles Boulevard and has also been a scene of many incidents.

Turn 9 leads to St. Andrews Road where cars reach 276 km/h. Turns 10, 11 and twelve were re-profiled to allow drivers to reach speeds 167 km/h. But they have to shortly slow down to 111 km/h to take the hairpin Turn 13 which has been widened to increase chances of overtaking.

The cars then race across the Esplanade Bridge before braking from 285 km/h to 78 km/h to negotiate Turn 14 which almost meets Turn 8. Turns 15 to 19 are mostly blind corners before the track passes below the floating Bay Grandstand between Turns 18 and 19.

A right-handed Turn 20 determines what position drivers take on Turn 21. Exiting the left-handed Turn 21 close to the inside of the track allows drivers to gain speed advantage along the flat out Turns 22 and 23. Thereafter the cars accelerate further past the start-finish line across the Main Straight.

Who has won the Singapore Grand Prix?

Nico Rosberg is the odd man out among the four drivers to dominate the Singapore Grand Prix. In 2016 Lewis Hamilton had to retire with brake failure. Rosberg won the pole position and held off Daniel Ricciardo to become the first driver to win the event more than once.
 
Sebastian Vettel has flourished at the race, winning the event no less than five times, with his last win there being in 2019 with Ferrari. He is the only Formula One driver, to win on the Marina Bay Circuit race three times in a row (2011-13). He also won the honours in 2015.
 
Lewis Hamilton has won the race four times and had to retire due to mechanical problems twice when he was in a good position. Nico Rosberg, his teammate at Mercedes, won in 2016 but Hamilton came back strongly to win the subsequent two events. Hamilton had also won in 2009 and 2014.
 
Fernando Alonso was the winner of the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix in 2008. Although Lewis Hamilton took the trophy away from him in 2009, Alonso won in 2010. Surprisingly, only four drivers have shared the Singapore Grand Prix between them out of the 12 events held.
 
Among manufacturers, Mercedes has won the Grand Prix five times if you include Lewis Hamilton’s win in a McLaren-Mercedes in 2009. Red Bull-Renault has won the event three times with Sebastian Vettel as the driver while Renault has won the inaugural event with Alonso driving.
 
Alonso won Ferrari their first Singapore Grand Prix in 2010 after switching allegiance from Renault. Sebastian Vettel also moved from Red Bull-Renault and scored two more wins for Ferrari in 2015 and 2019.

How much are tickets for the Singapore Grand Prix?

The 2023 Singapore Grand Prix will be held on September 15-17. Grandstand tickets start at € 463.00 but you need to be quick. With blockbuster concerts held after each days track action finishes, may people buy tickets just to access the stage area.

The Singapore Grand Prix is very popular in the region, particularly after the Malaysian Grand Prix dropped out of contention. The event draws more than 40,000 international visitors.

We recommend visiting GPTicketShop for Singapore Grand Prix tickets.

Singapore Grand Prix Tickets: What You Should Know

  • As the Singapore Grand Prix is held on a street circuit, no matter which grandstand you are seated in, you will only get to see the action on the portion of the track in front of you.
  • The tickets that you buy will determine which Zones you will have access to as the circuit is divided into four Zones.
  • You will get access to all four Zones with the costlier tickets while the cheaper seats will limit your access to one or two Zones.
  • The organisers annually have big-name concerts at the end of the on-track action. These concerts are held in either Zone 1 or Zone 4. If you want in on one of the concerts, choose your ticket wisely.
  • Zone One has a Walkabout option. If you choose this option you get to sit in the Pit Grandstand on Friday. On the race day, you can sit in the Pit Grandstand and exercise your walkabout after the action in Zone 1.
  • One day tickets are only available for some zones. Walkabout tickets are also available for the race day.
  • Giant television screens are placed in front of all grandstands keeping you in on the action throughout the race. The catch fencing obstructs views from the lower seats in all grandstands except the Bay Grandstand. So choose your seats accordingly.

Where is the best place to watch the Singapore Grand Prix?

Pit Grandstand

This grandstand is divided into section AA and AB and sections A1-A22. It stretches the entire length of the main straight. While section A3 and A4 give good views of the celebrations after the finish, Section A15 is just in front of the start-finish line.
 
The higher numbered sections are closer to Turn 1. Seats in the higher rows of these grandstands will give you an unobstructed view of the action in the pits and the action on the track. Ticket to this grandstand allows access to all Zones.

Turn 1 & 2 Grandstands
 
Turn 1 Grandstand has sections A2-A8. Section A7 is located just outside the apex of Turn 1 and you can see cars further up the track as they negotiate Turn 2 and enter Turn 3. Sections A8 and A9 give good views of the Main Straight as well as the pit exit.
 
Turn 2 Grandstand also has sections numbered from A1 to A6. While Section A1 gives a good view down the pit straight Section A6 is closer to Turn 3. Go for the highest seats in both the grandstands for better views. You get access to all Zones with a ticket to these grandstands.

Connaught Grandstand
 
This is a lesser priced grandstand on Turn 14 and will get you views of the turn which is renowned for incidents. The higher numbered sections are a better choice and a seat in the highest row will earn you a view of cars negotiating Turn 8 behind the grandstand. Access is only available to Zone 4.

Stamford Grandstand
 
This Grandstand is also divided into 7 sections. While the lower numbered sections are closer to the sweeping Turn 7, the others are closer to Turn 8. A seat in the sections closer to Turn 7 will also give you views of the action on Turn 14. Choose the highest seats as usual. A ticket in this grandstand will only grant you access to Zone 4.

Esplanade Waterfront Grandstand
 
The best seat in the Esplanade Waterfront Grandstand, located between Turns 16 and 17, is the last Section A3. In the higher seats of this section, you will get views of the cars as they approach Turn 18. This is another of the lower-priced grandstands which will grant you access only to Zone 4.

Padang Grandstand

Another of the grandstand which grants access to only Zone 4, the Padang grandstand is between Turns 9 and 10. The lowest numbered among Sections A (A1-A10) and the highest numbered among Sections B (B1-B11) are the best seats in this grandstand. Both these sections are closer to either turn. Access for tickets on this grandstand is allowed to only Zone 4.

Bay Grandstand
 
The Bay Grandstand is not only the lone permanent grandstand on the Marina Bay Circuit but it is also the largest and the cheapest. Unlike the other grandstands, the areas in the Bay grandstand are colour coded. The grandstand has 83 rows and is the highest on the circuit.
 
The seats at either end of the stands are the best for viewing as the stand is located after Turns 16-17 and above Turns 17-18. The track runs under the grandstand between the latter two turns. Unlike the other grandstands, select one of the lower seats for better views of the action and the television screen. Those choosing a seat in this grandstand will get access to Zones 3 and 4.

Walkabout Tickets
 
Walkabout tickets are a feature at the Marina bay circuit that is akin to general admission tickets at other circuits. There are no reserved seats but tiered bleachers are placed at various places around the circuit, some of which offer a good view of the action.
 
You can purchase two types of walkabout tickets- either for all the zones or exclusively for Zone 4. Zone 4 tickets are a good budgetary option as there are many seats in the zones. While the viewing areas in Zone 4 are not the best, you get access to the biggest concerts on all three days.
 
The higher priced tickets come with access for all the zones. The advantage of buying a walkabout ticket for all the zones is that you get access to Zone 1. There are very few fans in Zone 1 and most of them have access to a seat. So your chances of getting a good bleacher seat are higher in Zone 1.

How do I get to the Singapore Grand Prix?

Singapore’s Changi Airport is the home of Singapore Airlines, the city state’s flag carrier as well as the sponsor of The Singapore Grand Prix. The Airline connects over 60 cities across all continents. The airport operates 600 flights daily to 250 destinations in 60 countries.
 
The Marina Bay circuit is located in the heart of the city and with Singapore’s excellent public transport, getting to and from the circuit is easy as can be. Singapore can also be easily reached by road and rail from the neighbouring countries like Thailand and Malaysia.
 
Singapore is well connected by train to the prominent cities around it. You can reach Singapore from Kuala Lumpur in six hours during day time and 8 hours overnight by a sleeper coach. Travel from Bangkok will take 2 nights, The tickets are also cheap.

How do I get to the Marina Bay circuit?

The best way to get to the Marina Bay Circuit is by train. Get down at a station close to your respective gate and walk the distance. Those staying in downtown Singapore are within walking distance of the circuit, but the oppressive heat and humidity will deter you.

Public transport is very efficient and cheap. If you are there for the racing weekend you can buy a three day Singapore tourist pass. The pass, costing just SGD 25, will allow you to travel all over the small city for three days.

Where should I stay for the Singapore Grand Prix?

Singapore has accommodation for all budgets from the best five-star hotels in the world to hostels and capsule hotels. More than 40,000 visitors descend on Singapore during the race weekend, which naturally puts rooms at a premium.
 
Those international travellers are over and above regular visitors as Singapore is both a business hub and a shopper’s paradise. This tends to send the prices up during the racing weekend. It is advisable to book your accommodation early.
 
Singapore’s best cafes, hotels, and restaurants are located around Marina Bay. The plus point is that you can watch the activities and the race on all three days from your hotel room. But these hotels don’t come cheap, especially during the race weekend. Check with the hotel before you book your room if you have a view of the track from your hotel room.

Do F1 drivers like Singapore track?

F1 drivers generally enjoy racing in Singapore, as the event offers a unique challenge and a vibrant atmosphere. Here are some quotes from drivers about their experiences racing in Singapore:

Max Verstappen (Red Bull): “Singapore is a great race. The track is really challenging, with lots of tight corners and long straights. And racing at night makes it even more special. It’s always a fun weekend.”

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes): “Singapore is one of the most physically demanding races of the year. It’s hot, it’s humid, and the race is long. But it’s also one of the most exciting races of the year, with the unique challenge of racing at night. It’s a race that every driver looks forward to.”

Fernando Alonso (Alpine): “Singapore is one of my favorite races. The track is really challenging, and the atmosphere is incredible. It’s a race that every driver wants to win.”

Daniel Ricciardo (AlphaTaruri): “Singapore is one of the most exciting races of the year. The track is really challenging, and the atmosphere is amazing. It’s always a great weekend.”

Sebastian Vettel (5-time race winner with Red Bull and Ferrari): “I love racing in Singapore. The track is challenging, the atmosphere is electric, and the city is amazing. It’s one of the highlights of the season for me.”

Overall, F1 drivers seem to enjoy racing in Singapore, citing the challenging track, electric atmosphere, and unique experience of racing at night as reasons why they look forward to the event each year.

Is Singapore hard to overtake?

The Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore is known for being one of the most challenging tracks on the Formula One calendar, with a mix of tight corners and long straights. While there are some overtaking opportunities on the circuit, it is generally considered to be a difficult track to overtake on. Here are some examples of why Singapore is considered a hard track to overtake:

1) Tight corners: The Marina Bay Street Circuit features several tight corners, which make it difficult for drivers to get close enough to attempt an overtake. For example, Turn 7 is a tight left-hander that leads onto a short straight, but the corner is so tight that it’s hard for drivers to get alongside each other.

2) Limited run-off areas: The circuit features limited run-off areas, which means that drivers are less likely to take risks when attempting an overtake. If a driver makes a mistake and runs wide, they risk hitting the barriers and damaging their car.

3) DRS zones: While the circuit does feature two DRS (Drag Reduction System) zones, which are designed to help drivers overtake by reducing drag on the car behind, they are not always effective. For example, the DRS zone on the main straight is relatively short, which means that drivers need to be very close to the car in front to make an overtake.

Overall, while there are some overtaking opportunities on the Marina Bay Street Circuit, it is generally considered to be a difficult track to overtake on due to its tight corners, limited run-off areas, and relatively short DRS zones.

Where do F1 drivers stay in Singapore?

During the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, most F1 drivers stay in hotels around the Marina Bay area, which is close to the circuit. Here are some of the hotels that F1 drivers have stayed at in the past:

The Fullerton Bay Hotel: This hotel is located on the waterfront in the Marina Bay area, and is known for its luxurious rooms and stunning views of the city. F1 drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have stayed at this hotel in the past.

The Marina Bay Sands: This iconic hotel features three towers topped by a massive rooftop park, which offers panoramic views of the city. The hotel is located right next to the circuit, and is a popular choice for F1 drivers and teams.

The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore: This hotel is located near the Marina Bay area and features spacious rooms with stunning views of the city. F1 drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo have stayed at this hotel in the past.

The Mandarin Oriental, Singapore: This hotel is located in the Marina Bay area and features luxurious rooms and suites with views of the city skyline. F1 drivers such as Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen have stayed at this hotel in the past.

Overall, F1 drivers tend to stay in hotels around the Marina Bay area during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, as it is close to the circuit and offers easy access to the city’s many attractions.