2024 Singapore Grand Prix: Fast Facts

There are around seven thousand kilometres separating Baku and Singapore and the entire Formula 1 circus has just tackled yet another logistical challenge of this very long season, moving personnel, cars and equipment in a matter of a couple of days from the shores of the Caspian Sea to the city-state where the Malacca Straights meet the South China Sea. This is the first time these two races have been run back-to-back.

Here on the Equator, the dry weather compounds chosen for the 15^th running of the Singapore Grand Prix are the same as last year’s and in fact the same as at the past two races at Monza and Baku, on tracks each with very different characteristics: C3 as Hard, C4 as Medium and C5 as Soft.

The circuit was modified last year with the aim of making it flow better, but it is still one of the twistiest of the season. Its length is now down to 4.940 kilometres so that the number of laps has been increased to 62. In the final sector, between what used to include turns 16 to 19, a 400 metre straight has replaced them so that the number of corners has been reduced from 23 to 19. Last year, the work of resurfacing the track began and this year the sections between turns 3 and 9, 10 and 12 and 14 and 17 have also been resurfaced. The bitumen should be similar to that used on public roads generally open to city traffic, but with new asphalt one can expect a smoother surface. One does not usually learn much from the first free practice session, but this time it will give everyone the opportunity to acquire important data relating to tyre behaviour.

As with all street circuits, the slightest mistake in Singapore comes at a high price, given there are very few run-off areas and running a fraction off-line can see you in the barriers. Therefore the Safety Car is a common sight here, especially as it takes quite a while to remove a stricken car from the track. There are a couple of factors that make the one-stop the only valid strategy: firstly, the time lost for a tyre change pit stop is around 28 seconds, partly because the pit lane speed limit is reduced to 60 km/h and secondly, overtaking on this track is definitely complicated. A two-stop need only be considered in the event of the race being neutralised.

Usually, the Soft is purely a qualifying tyre, with the race laps split between the Medium and the Hard. However, last year the C5 played its part on Sunday, especially in the first stint with drivers wanting to make the most of its extra grip at the start. Degradation at this track is mainly down to thermal stress, not so much on the surface of the tyre, but within it, something one does not see that often and that varies a lot depending on car set-up and the aerodynamic load the cars generate.

At the Marina Bay circuit we have often seen first stints where the drivers are trying to go as long as they can, managing their tyres with the aim of balancing the two stints as much as possible. This often leads to the formation of a train of cars, all running nose to tail, unable to overtake because there is not enough of a performance difference, this despite the track having three DRS zones. Therefore, in an effort to produce more on-track action, the FIA has decided to introduce a fourth DRS zone for this weekend, between turns 14 and 16 and we will have to wait until Sunday to see if it produces the desired result.

Adding to the unpredictable nature of this race is the weather. Sitting astride the Equator, Singapore’s climate does not vary, with high humidity, rarely below 70%, with the chance of rain showers, some very heavy, at any time of the day or night.

This was the first ever Grand Prix to be run at night under floodlights and, visually, it has always provided a great show. As usual on a tight track, qualifying is almost the most important factor when it comes to the race result, which explains why nine of the 14 races held to date have been won from pole position. The King of Singapore is Sebastian Vettel, who won here five times, on four occasions from pole, while his total podium tally is eight. With the German quitting the sport in 2022, he could lose his crown to Lewis Hamilton who has the same number of poles and four wins to date, while he is also closing in on the German’s record for top three finishes, with seven.

Three other drivers still racing have also won at Marina Bay: Fernando Alonso has done so twice and Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez have one victory apiece, while another retiree, Nico Rosberg also won here once. Of the teams, Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes lead the way, level on four wins, while Ferrari has the lion’s share of pole positions with seven to its name. As for podium places, it’s the blue of Red Bull that leads the way with 14 top three finishes.

How to Watch the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix

Formula 1 fans around the globe can catch all the action from the Singapore Grand Prix through various broadcasters and streaming services.

In the United Kingdom, viewers can watch every session live on Sky Sports F1, with comprehensive coverage of the practice sessions, qualifying, and the race itself.

For fans in the United States, the Dutch Grand Prix will be available through ESPN and its associated channels. ESPN offers extensive coverage of F1, including live broadcasts and replays. Cord-cutters can also stream the race live through various over-the-top (OTT) services that carry ESPN channels.

Viewers in Australia can tune in to watch the Grand Prix weekend unfold live on Fox Sports, which offers complete coverage of F1 races. For online streaming, fans can subscribe to Kayo Sports, a streaming platform that includes all Fox Sports content.

Additionally, F1 TV Pro offers live streaming of every track session to viewers in many countries worldwide.

This subscription service provides access to onboard cameras, team radios, live timing, and more, for an immersive viewing experience.

Remember to check the local listings and services for the most up-to-date information regarding broadcast times and availability in your region.

Special Livery Madness

Several teams are running special liveries in Singapore, notably McLaren with a nod to their dominant MP4/4, Mercedes who are celebrating the Petronas 50th anniversary, and a special collab between RB and HUGO.

Fast Facts: Singapore Grand Prix

• Last year’s Singapore Grand Prix featured a new layout as redevelopment works took place in the vicinity of the track.
• The circuit between what was Turns 16 to 19 became one long 397.9m straight, reducing the number of corners from 23 down to 19.
• The circuit length was reduced from 5.063 km to 4.928 km and the number of laps of the Grand Prix increased from 61 to 62.
• Lap times were reduced by roughly 10 seconds due to the changes.
• The new layout was beneficial for the tyres; previously, they would begin to overheat towards the end of the lap, but the removal of four 90-degree corners helped them stay closer to the optimum operating window.
• Track evolution is incredibly high in Singapore, given that it is a street circuit. The surface can ramp up by as much as three seconds between FP1 on Friday and Qualifying on Saturday evening.
• The Singapore Grand Prix is one of the most physically demanding races of the season. The intense humidity, warm temperatures, combined with the stop/start nature of the track, make it very challenging.
• Due to these factors, drivers can lose around 5kg of weight during the race through sweating alone.
• That stop/start nature, with a requirement for constant re-acceleration, ensures the circuit has one of the biggest fuel effects of the year. In simple terms, that means the amount of time you lose each lap is higher for every kilogram of extra fuel in the car.
• Owing to the large amount of time spent in corners, just over 50% of lap time is spent at full throttle – only Monaco and the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico have lower amounts.
• The track is also very bumpy. That adds to the stress that the drivers and cars are put through – that is particularly true with these new generation cars that run lower to the ground.
• With a speed limit of 60 km/h, and a layout that feeds in at turn two, the total pit lane time is the highest of the season at 25 seconds.
• Marina Bay is one of four circuits on the calendar to have a 60 km/h pitlane speed limit, owing to its tight nature. The others are Melbourne, Monaco, and Zandvoort.
• Being a street track, it is perhaps no surprise that all 14 of the previous Singapore Grands Prix have featured at least one Safety Car deployment.
• In the last six editions, we have seen 11 Safety Car deployments.
• Only one of the last nine GP’s this season has been won from pole position, but in Singapore the winner has come from pole in nine of the last 13 races.
• Driving a Red Bull, Sebastian Vettel completed a hat-trick of wins at the Marina Bay Circuit from 2011-2013, his third-straight victory in 2013 was the largest winning margin in the circuit’s history (32.637 seconds).

Singapore Grand Prix FAQs

How much is a beer at the Singapore Grand Prix?

The price of beer at the Singapore Grand Prix is quite high:

• A large beer will set you back $16 SGD (approximately USD 12), which is actually cheaper than at the majority of bars outside the circuit.
• A half pint of Stella beer cost SGD 16 (approximately USD 12) last summer at a relatively nice place outside the circuit.

The high prices are largely due to the fact that Singapore taxes alcohol heavily. Overall, expect to pay around SGD 14 to SGD 16 (USD 10 to USD 12) for a beer at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Does Singapore make money from F1?

Yes, Singapore does make money from hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix. The event has generated substantial economic benefits for the country since its debut in 2008.

According to the Singapore Tourism Board, the F1 race has attracted more than 550,000 international visitors and generated over S$1.5 billion (approximately USD 1.1 billion) in incremental tourism receipts as of 2022.

The Singapore government has also stated that the F1 event brings “substantial benefits” to the country, despite the high costs associated with hosting the night race. The economic impact extends beyond the tourism sector, with spillover effects benefiting retail, hospitality, and other related industries.

However, it’s important to note that the exact profitability of the event for Singapore is not publicly disclosed due to the confidential nature of the agreement between the Singapore government and Formula 1 management. Some experts suggest that the event might not be directly profitable for Singapore, but the overall economic benefits and global exposure justify the investment.

Can you walk the Singapore F1 track?

Yes, you can walk on certain parts of the Singapore F1 track, but not the entire circuit. The Marina Bay Street Circuit is a temporary track that utilizes public roads, so most of the circuit is accessible to pedestrians when there is no race event.

Some notable areas of the track that you can visit on foot include:

1. The Pit Straight: The pit straight is blocked off to traffic but open to pedestrians when there is no race. You can walk down the straight and see the pit buildings and grandstands.
2. Singapore Flyer: The Singapore Flyer, a giant observation wheel, is located near Turn 1 of the circuit. You can walk around this area and get a good view of the track.
3. Certain Grandstand Areas: Some grandstand areas, such as those near the Padang Stage in Zone 4, are accessible to pedestrians after the final track activity of the day, usually for about an hour.

However, it’s essential to note that you cannot walk the entire track, as some sections are not accessible to the public due to safety reasons and the presence of barriers. Additionally, during the F1 race weekend, access to the track is restricted to ticket holders only.

If you want to experience the full circuit, it is best to attend the Singapore Grand Prix or watch it on TV, as the coverage shows the entire track.

Where do F1 drivers stay in Singapore?

During the Singapore Grand Prix, F1 drivers typically stay at high-end luxury hotels near the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Some of the popular hotels among F1 drivers and teams include:

1. The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore: The Ferrari and Aston Martin teams and drivers were seen staying here in 2022. The Sauber drivers were also sighted here in 2023. The hotel is only a 10-minute walk from the paddock, making it a popular choice among F1 teams.
2. Mandarin Oriental Singapore: This hotel is another popular choice for F1 teams and drivers due to its proximity to the track.
3. Hilton Singapore Orchard: In recent years, McLaren drivers like Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have been known to stay at this hotel.
4. Raffles Hotel: This iconic hotel is a popular choice among F1 teams and drivers. It is located on Beach Road, slightly farther from the paddock compared to the other hotels mentioned.

Other luxury hotels in Singapore that may host F1 drivers include The Fullerton Hotel, Swissôtel The Stamford, and the Pan Pacific Singapore. However, the specific hotels chosen by drivers and teams may vary from year to year based on preference, availability, and sponsorship agreements.

Is Singapore F1 a street track?

Yes, the Singapore Grand Prix is held on the Marina Bay Street Circuit, which is a street track. The circuit is set up on public roads around the Marina Bay area in the heart of Singapore, with the beautiful city skyline and the iconic Singapore Flyer as its backdrop.

The Marina Bay Street Circuit was the first street circuit in Asia designed specifically for Formula 1 races, and it is also the first F1 night race. The track is known for its challenging layout, with 23 turns and a mix of high-speed straights and tight corners, making it one of the most physically demanding circuits on the F1 calendar.

The use of public roads means that the track surface is less consistent compared to purpose-built circuits, and the close proximity of the barriers leaves little room for error. The track also features unique elements such as the Anderson Bridge, which is one of the few remaining swing bridges in Singapore, and the iconic Turn 18, which passes underneath a grandstand.

Setting up the temporary street circuit is a complex operation that takes several weeks, with crews working around the clock to assemble the necessary infrastructure, including barriers, fences, grandstands, and lighting systems. After the race, the circuit is disassembled, and the roads are reopened to the public.

How many lights are there in the Singapore Grand Prix?

The Singapore Grand Prix, being a night race, requires a significant number of lights to illuminate the Marina Bay Street Circuit. According to the official F1 website, the track is lit by an impressive 1,600 custom-made floodlights spread around the 5.075 km circuit.

These lights are four times brighter than those used in regular stadium lighting. In 2023, as part of Singapore’s push for sustainability, the organizers converted all track lights to LED lighting, which is more energy-efficient compared to the previously used conventional lighting.

The extensive lighting system ensures that the track is sufficiently illuminated for the drivers, spectators, and television cameras. The lighting design is carefully planned to minimize glare and shadows while providing optimal visibility on the track, ensuring a safe and enjoyable racing experience for all involved.

How many laps is the Singapore Grand Prix?

The Singapore Grand Prix is scheduled to run for 61 laps around the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The total race distance is 308.706 km, which is the maximum allowed under the current F1 regulations.

However, the actual number of laps completed may vary depending on various factors such as weather conditions, safety car deployments, or red flag stoppages. If the race is suspended and cannot be resumed, the results will be based on the standings at the end of the penultimate lap before the suspension.

It’s worth noting that the Singapore Grand Prix is one of the longest and most demanding races on the F1 calendar due to its high humidity, high temperatures, and the physical nature of the circuit with its 23 turns and bumpy surface. Drivers often lose up to 3 kg of body weight during the race due to the extreme conditions.

How to watch F1 in Singapore for free?

There are a few ways to watch the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix for free:

1. Catch the live broadcast on Mewatch, a free online streaming service in Singapore. The Singapore F1 Grand Prix will be shown for free on Mewatch.
2. Watch from several vantage points around the circuit that offer a view of the track, such as:

• Helix Bridge
• National Gallery Singapore
• Esplanade
• Millenia Walk

Some bars and restaurants in Singapore may show the race for free on large screens.

Keep in mind that the free viewing locations can get crowded, and the views may be limited compared to the paid grandstand seats. Additionally, the availability of live streams and free trials may vary depending on your location and time.