Singapore Grand Prix: A Motorsport Fan's Guide

History of the Singapore Grand Prix

The first Formula 1 race in Singapore, also the first night race in the history of Formula 1, took place on September 28, 2008. Singapore’s debut at the F1 stage was a great success, drawing massive crowds from neighboring countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and more.

It was also the 800th Formula One World Championship race since it was founded in 1950. While Felipe Massa started on pole with Ferrari, Fernando Alonso won the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix.

It is also worth noting that while Formula 1 made its debut in Singapore in 2008 as the “Singapore Grand Prix,” the original Singapore Grand Prix was an annual event organized at the Thomson Road Circuit between 1966 and 1973 under Australian Formula 2 and Formula Libre rules.

Evolution of the Singapore Grand Prix circuit over the years

The Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore is one of the most challenging and energy-sapping circuits to race, according to many Formula 1 drivers. Lewis Hamilton said it was two times more challenging to race here than in Monaco.
The 4.94 kilometer circuit is predominantly narrow throughout, with plenty of complex turns, bumps, and high curbs.
The circuit has undergone several changes since 2008 after the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) took note of the complaints from drivers. The high curbs across the circuit, bumpy racing surface, and dangerous pit lane entry were some of the major concerns of most drivers.
While the FIA addressed these issues, a few more changes were made to the circuit. The infamous Singapore Sling on turn 10 was replaced with an easier and faster left-handed turn.
A few minor changes were made ahead of the 2015 race to create overtaking opportunities between turns 11 and 13.
The circuit remained unchanged till 2023 before a certain portion of the track was removed between turns 16 and 19. A new straight was added, which improved lap times by ten seconds.
The changes between turns 16 and 19 led to the removal of the Bay Grandstand, which dropped attendance by around 40,000 that year.

Fun facts about the Singapore Grand Prix

Drivers can lose up to 3 kgs of body fluids throughout the race due to the challenging and complex nature of the circuit.
The Singapore Grand Prix was the first-ever night race in Formula 1’s history. Its success paved the way for other night races on street circuits, including Jeddah and Las Vegas.
The idea behind organizing the race at night in Singapore was to ensure viewers in other parts of the world could watch or follow the race at regular times.
The Safety Car has been deployed at least once in every Singapore Grand Prix since its debut in 2008.
Around 1600 customized floodlights are installed throughout the circuit before the Singapore Grand Prix. These lights are four times brighter than those at a regular sports stadium.

Unforgettable moments in past Singapore Grand Prix

Alonzo’s controversial victory

Year: 2008

There was no shortage of drama at the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix. Renault’s Fernando Alonzo went on to win the race but not without shades of ‘unsportsmanlike spirit’ by his team. The shot callers in the Renault Formula 1 team asked Alonzo’s teammate, Nelson Piquet Jr to crash deliberately so that the Safety Car was deployed. This allowed Alonzo to cover ground and eventually win the race. The incident is famously known as ‘Crashgate’.

Forgettable pit stop for Felipe Massa

Year: 2008

Some more drama from the debut race! While Ferrari is known for their strategic and well-worked pit stops, this incident tells a different story. Felipe Massa made a premature release with the fuel hose still intact to his F2008. As a result, you could see the Ferrari pit crew scrambling toward the car to sort out the mess.

Schumacher’s uncharacteristic error

Year: 2012

Even legends err, and Schumacher proved that when he crashed into the rear end of Jean-Eric Vergne’s Toro Rosso in 2012. The impact was enough to end their races after both drivers escaped unscathed and somehow managed to end up on the escape road. Schumacher unhesitatingly apologized immediately and said “Not sure why it happened”, in an interview.

First-corner nightmare for Verstappen, Vettel, & more

Year: 2017

The fans love to see the chaos, maneuvering, and drama that unfolds in the first corner of the race. The 2017 Singapore Grand Prix did not disappoint. Max Verstappen, who found himself sandwiched between the two Ferraris of Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vetter in the opening straight, took out Kimi who then collided with Verstappen and Fernando Alonso to end their races.

Plan your visit to the Singapore Grand Prix

Singapore GP 2024 - Marina Bay Street Circuit

Singapore Grand Prix 2024 schedule

Date: 20th September 2024

Practice 1: 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Practice 2: 9pm to 10pm

Date: 21st September 2024

Practice 3: 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Qualifying: 9pm to 10pm

Date: 22nd September 2024

Race: 8pm

Where does the Singapore Grand Prix take place?

The Singapore Grand Prix takes place on the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

Getting to the Grand Prix:

By MRT: The MRT is one of the best ways to get to the Marina Bay Street Circuit for many reasons. The MRT not only helps you beat the traffic but is also well-connected with the circuit’s nine gates.

Take the MRT operating on MRT lines Nicoll Highway CC5 or Lavender EW11 to reach Gate 1A and Gate 1B which provide access to seats in the main grandstand and the grandstand located near turns 1 and 2. You will need to take the MRT running on the Promenade CC4 DT15 line to reach the Raffles grandstand via gate 2.

By Taxi: Despite multiple road closures and diversions, you can reach the Singapore Grand Prix by taxi without any problem thanks to the temporary drop-off and pick-up zones.

GATE 3A, 3B: Capitol Piazza at North Bridge Road
GATE 4, 5, 6: Income @ Raffles at Collyer Quay
GATE 8: Taxi stand at Marina Bay Sands Casino Driveway

Things to do at the Singapore Grand Prix

Attend the concerts

The Singapore Grand Prix is one of the best times to be in Singapore thanks to its vibrant and electric atmosphere as it gears up for the race. The event stretches beyond racing as some of the best musicians and artists in the world entertain the crowds over the racing weekend. The stellar list includes names like Post Malone, Kings of Leon, Robbie Williams, etc., who have all performed at the Singapore GP Prix in the past.

Buy official F1 merchandise

Get your hands on some cool official F1 merchandise, including caps, t-shirts, hoodies, water bottles, and more. Shopping hubs are typically located in and around the Marina Bay District in Singapore.

Indulge in food galore

The Singapore GP has various food and beverage stalls that offer a wide range of local and international cuisine, as well as a variety of drinks and refreshments. This circuit famously has one of the largest assortment of food from all over the world, so it's an experience you have to have!

Post-race celebrations on the track

Get on the race track and join all the fans once the action is over to get a better view of the podium celebrations. Once the cars have done their victory lap, fans are allowed to get onto the circuit and cheer on their drivers and teams. Get a spot next to the podium, and you may just be showered with some champagne from the celebrations!

Frequently asked questions about the Singapore Grand Prix

When is the Singapore Grand Prix in the 2024 season?

While the main race is on September 22, 2024, Free Practise 1 and 2 are on September 20, Free Practise 3 and Qualifying are on September 21.

What is the name of the circuit at the Singapore Grand Prix?

The Singapore Grand Prix takes place at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

How many turns does the Singapore Grand Prix circuit have?

The Marina Bay circuit has 19 turns in total. Over the years, it has undergone a few structural changes in its layout to accommodate the requirements of the cars and drivers safety.

What makes the Singapore Grand Prix so special?

The Singapore Grand Prix is a night race which makes it a special event across the F1 racing calendar each year. You also have concerts by global musicians and bands, merch stalls, food and beverages, and fireworks to look forward to, at the Singapore Grand Prix.

What is the best way to get to the Singapore Grand Prix?

The best way to get to the Singapore Grand Prix is by MRT or by taxi. We do not recommend driving to the venue since there are many road closures and diversions throughout the racing weekend.

Is there parking at the Singapore Grand Prix?

Since the Singapore Grand Prix is a street race, you will not find parking on-site. It is best to use the public transport to reach the circuit.

Why is the Singapore Grand Prix at night?

The Singapore Grand Prix is at night to ensure global viewers can watch the race at a convenient time.

How expensive are the tickets for the Singapore Grand Prix?

While the three-day pass can cost anywhere between SGD 300 to SGD 1,845, the one-day pass costs between SGD 126 and SGD 917 depending on the seats you've chosen. Make sure to book Singapore Grand Prix tickets in advance as they tend to sell out months ahead.

Where does the Singapore Grand Prix concert take place?

The Singapore Grand Prix concert typically takes place on two stages in the Fan Zone village, each located on the opposite ends of the circuit.

Does the Singapore Grand Prix have an age limit?

While there is no stringent age limit, we recommend that children below 7 years not attend the race for operational and safety reasons. As a general, do carry ear plugs while attending the races, as it can get quite loud in and around the circuit.

Can I bring my own food to the Singapore Grand Prix?

No, outside food and drinks are strictly prohibited while entering the circuit.

What should I carry to the Singapore Grand Prix?

It is a good idea to carry earplugs to the Singapore Grand Prix to protect your ears from the loud sounds and above-recommended decibel levels of a Formula 1 car.

Does the Singapore Grand Prix have a dress code?

While there is no strict code, we recommend smart casual attire to attend the Singapore Grand Prix. Feel free to rock the jerseys of your favorite team and driver!