By Joe Murphy
The Singapore Grand Prix is a standout event in the Formula One calendar, with its Marina Bay Street Circuit posing a unique challenge to drivers. The circuit’s near 5km (4.94km to be exact) layout features high-speed straights and tight corners, demanding precision and physical endurance from drivers. The humid conditions in Singapore add to the circuit’s notorious difficulty.
In March, I was fortunate enough to walk around the track’s 19 corners and winds through the heart of Singapore’s Downtown and Kallang areas.
This exciting race features a mix of slow and high-speed corners, including the challenging Turn 13 hairpin and the fast Turn 15 kink. The track includes two DRS zones, with the longest straight providing a good opportunity for overtaking. Recent changes to the circuit include the removal of Turns 16-19, replaced by a long straight that improves overtaking opportunities.
The Marina Bay Street Circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke and KBR Inc, and it hosted its first Grand Prix in 2008. It was the first night race in Formula One history, made possible by a revolutionary floodlighting system. The circuit has undergone several changes over the years, including modifications to Turns 11-13 and the removal of the Singapore Sling chicane in 2013. The track has a capacity of 80,000 spectators and is known for its unique blend of technical complexity and urban setting.
Lando Norris’s victory last year marked a notable achievement, with Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri rounding out the podium. However, it’s worth noting that Daniel Ricciardo did participate in the 2024 season and set the fastest lap at the Singapore Grand Prix with a time of 1:34.486, for throwback purposes.
At the time of writing, the championship standings are tightly contested, with Oscar Piastri holding a 25-point lead over Lando Norris in the Drivers’ Championship. Max Verstappen’s recent wins have closed the gap, and the battle for the top spot is intensifying. In the Constructors’ Championship, McLaren’s advantage over Red Bull Racing and Ferrari is being contested, setting the stage for a competitive conclusion to the season.
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