Singapore’s race of jeopardy? You bet
The Singapore Grand Prix isn’t just one of the most demanding races on the calendar. It’s also one of the most spectacular. The city lights up at night as Formula 1 cars roar through the streets, past grandstands packed with fans and skyscrapers glowing in the background. From the racing to the atmosphere, it’s a weekend that stands out for all the right reasons.
Why the Singapore Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket listIf there's one race that tests drivers like no other, it’s Singapore. The Marina Bay Circuit is tight, bumpy, and lined with unforgiving concrete walls. One wrong move, and it’s game over.
Then there’s the weather. It’s hot, humid, and brutal. Cockpit temperatures can reach 60°C, with humidity hovering around 80%. It’s been called the most physically challenging race in Formula 1. Add in the fact that this is one of the longest races on the calendar, often brushing up against the two-hour time limit, and you’ve got a true test of endurance. The night schedule only adds to the challenge. To keep up, teams and drivers stay on European time the whole weekend. But it’s not just the physical strain. The Singapore Grand Prix can throw up surprises. Safety cars are common. Mistakes happen. And when they do, the order gets shaken. It’s the kind of race where underdogs can score big. As Oscar Piastri put it, “It can be a race of jeopardy, and anything can happen.” 
Oscar Piastri and George Russell go wheel to wheel into Turn 1 at the start of the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix
Singapore also made history. Back in 2008, it was the first ever night race in Formula 1. That move set the stage for other floodlit events around the world. Drivers talk about Singapore with a mix of awe and excitement. Nico Hülkenberg calls it one of his highlights of the year. Lewis Hamilton said it best: “One of the toughest tests for a driver on the calendar.” For Alex Albon, the race is personal. It’s the closest event to his birth country of Thailand, and he loves the strong support from fans in the region. Fernando Alonso once said, “I don’t think there’s any other race in the world like it.” 
Alex Albon takes time to meet fans and sign autographs at the Singapore Grand Prix
The city itself plays a huge part. Singapore turns into a motorsport festival during race week. There are concerts, parties, and events across the city. Big-name artists perform nightly. The vibe is more Monaco or Las Vegas than a typical Grand Prix. The Singapore Grand Prix is more than a race. It’s a full-on experience. And it deserves a spot on any F1 fan’s bucket list. Where's the circuit?The Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore is a floodlit, temporary street circuit located in Marina Bay, right in the heart of the city. Thousands of lights illuminate the course, which winds past the city’s skyscrapers, harbour, and landmarks to create a spectacular neon backdrop.
The Marina Bay Street Circuit winds through the heart of Singapore, lit by thousands of lights and surrounded by the city’s skyline
Travelling to Singapore: What you need to knowSingapore Airlines, the national carrier, along with most major international airlines, flies direct to Singapore from cities around the world. If you’re departing from an airport without a direct route, connecting through a regional hub is often simple and can save money.
Once you land, you’re close. Changi Airport is just 20 minutes from Marina Bay, making this one of the easiest races on the calendar for international fans to reach. Most travelers don’t need a visa for short visits, but it’s always smart to check before you travel. You’ll find the latest entry details on the Visit Singapore website and the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs site. How many days should you spend at the Singapore Grand Prix?We recommend spending three full days, from Friday to Sunday, at the Singapore Grand Prix to experience everything the event has to offer. Between F1 sessions, you'll also get to enjoy a full schedule of Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and F1 Academy.
Singapore Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glance Here’s a quick overview of what to expect each day at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Friday is action-packed with Formula 1 practice sessions, along with qualifying sessions for the support series, including Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and F1 Academy. Saturday begins with the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia qualifying and first race followed by the third F1 practice session, additional support series races, and culminating in the thrilling Formula 1 qualifying session. Sunday features support series races, the drivers' parade, and the highlight of the weekend—the Singapore Grand Prix. 
Drivers' parade
Best places to stay for the Singapore Grand PrixIf you’ve watched the Singapore Grand Prix, you’ve probably noticed the skyline dotted with iconic hotels like Marina Bay Sands and the Fullerton. This is one of the few races where fans can stay right next to the circuit.
If you want comfort, convenience, and atmosphere, staying in Marina Bay is the way to go. Being able to leave your hotel and walk straight to the circuit is a rare F1 experience, and one of the reasons this race stands out. Orchard Road and Clarke Quay are also popular areas with plenty to see and do. You’ll probably want to take the MRT to Marina Bay, as the walk can feel long in Singapore’s heat. It’s a quick and easy ride. Best Grandstands for Key Moments at the Singapore Grand PrixNight racing in Singapore is a special sight. But where you sit can shape your whole weekend. From overtakes to pit stops, each grandstand offers something different. Here are some of the best spots to watch the race.
Turn 1 & Turn 2 Grandstands If you're hoping to catch some first-lap chaos or late-braking duels, this is the place to be. These grandstands give you views of the first three corners. Drivers brake hard into Turn 1, jostle for position through Turn 2, and line up for Turn 3. 
The Turns 1 & 2 grandstands have a front-row view of the action through the opening corners
Main Grandstand (Pit Grandstand) Right on the start/finish straight, this grandstand puts you in front of the grid, pit lane, and team garages. If you want to catch the pre-race build-up, pit stops, or the chequered flag, this is the place to be. Super Pit ticket holders get the best views from the upper rows. 
The Main Grandstand puts fans right in front of the grid, pit lane, and team garages
Stamford Grandstand Located between Turns 7 and 8, this is one of the best spots for overtaking. Cars come flying in from the fastest stretch of the track and then slam the brakes for the sharp left at Memorial Corner. It's tight, it’s tricky, and there’s action more often than not. Padang Grandstand Set on a high-speed stretch between Turns 9 and 10, this isn’t a spot for overtakes. It’s all about speed. Its big draw is location. Post-race concerts happen right behind the stand, making it easy to go straight from the race to the music. 
Padang Grandstand overlooks a high-speed section where cars fly past between Turns 9 and 10
Empress Grandstand This one feels more low-key and intimate. It’s tucked between Turns 11 and 12, just before the Anderson Bridge. The cars flick right then left here, getting close to the walls and riding the kerbs. You’re close enough to see every twitch of the car, and the nearby screen makes it easy to follow the rest of the race. Bayfront Grandstand Located at the end of the new back stretch, this grandstand lets you see the cars brake hard and turn in sharply. It’s a technical section where small mistakes can cost time. Connaught Grandstand Positioned just before Turn 14, this is another rare overtaking spot. The 90-degree turn means heavy braking. 
Connaught Grandstand sits just before Turn 14, where drivers brake hard and overtaking is possible
All grandstands are uncovered so bring sun protection or rain gear just in case. Where next?Singapore’s location makes it a great base for exploring Southeast Asia. You can easily turn your F1 weekend into a longer trip with stops in places like Malaysia, Bali, or Borneo. Or go further and head to cities like Hong Kong or Tokyo.
Many of these spots are part of the Singapore Airlines network, which means you can often add a stopover in Singapore for little or no extra cost. It’s an easy way to see more of Asia without planning a separate trip. Singapore Airlines flies in from cities across Europe, the Middle East, and Australasia, so getting here is straightforward no matter where you're coming from. Contact us and start planning your trip |
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Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.
His love for Formula One started in the 1990s, watching the greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Mika Hakkinen. He traveled to his first Grand Prix in 1999. It was the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Since then, Rob has traveled to over 2/3 of Grand Prix' on the current Formula One calendar. Fast forward to today, and Rob has turned his passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream Formula One trips. His favourite Grand Prix destinations are Austria and Austin, and when he's not attending a Formula One Grand Prix, you'll find him closer to home, walking or cycling in the Peak District National Park. |
