The Marina Bay Circuit Park will once again come alive for the Singapore Grand Prix with the roaring engines of Formula 1 cars from September 15 to 17. This event promises a lot of excitement and thrills. As a result of some renovations taking place at The Float at Marina Bay, the circuit is a little bit shorter this year, spanning 4.928 km. Fans flooding in and around the tracks to crazy after-race celebrations, the weekend will be jam-packed with activities.
Singapore contributes to the stress to another level, even though street circuits are typically mentally taxing at their slower speeds. Even on the shortest straights, it needs total concentration while offering little rest to the drivers. Unlike other races, this one is a special beast known for its extreme physical and mental demands, requiring an entirely distinct type of training.
Lewis Hamilton’s Stunning Pole Lap | 2018 Singapore Grand Prix 🐐👑#TeamLH #lewishamilton #MercedesAMG #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/qScTlJGbkJ
— MrDeepak (@X_MrDeepak) September 5, 2023
One of the biggest problems is the undemocratic weather. Due to its proximity to the equator, Singapore experiences year-round humidity levels of over 80%, and in September, when the event is going to take place, temperatures often range between 89.6°F and 95°F. Although drivers are probably familiar with competing in hot weather in places like the Middle East or continental Europe during the height of summer, nothing compares to the exhausting conditions of Singapore.
Why is the Singapore GP considered the most demanding F1 race?
Singapore serves as the ultimate test for Formula 1 drivers throughout the year owing to its muggy weather, slow average speeds, and it is labyrinth with its 23 tricky turns. As the first night race, this circuit, which stands amid the bustling streets of Marina Bay, is already an esteemed fixture on the F1 calendar. It delivers an in-depth assessment of a driver’s physical ability and driving expertise.
⚠️ | Garage signs are up ready for the Singapore Grand Prix next weekend. #F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/U0DUwMSNBm
— GridRivals 🏁 (@GridRivals) September 7, 2023
In contrast to the fast street circuits in places like Jeddah and Baku, Singapore’s average speed is very slow. For the sake of comparison despite Jeddah’s track being more than half a mile larger than the Singapore circuit, Sergio Perez’s pole time there was a startling eight seconds slower than Charles Leclerc’s pole performance in 2019. This is indicative of the track being exceptionally difficult to race on for the drivers as they race without natural light in the wake of dusk.
After one of the best performances by Ferrari in the quintessential race at Monza, the drivers are heading towards Singapore in less than 10 days. While Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner has unintentionally confirmed that Daniel Ricciardo will not be a part of the race at Marina Bay, the drivers are going through intense training to prepare themselves for the race. While Red Bull still holds the lead, it will be interesting to witness other teams attempt to compete with them in Singapore.
