Last updated April 2026
What is it like to attend the Singapore Grand Prix in person? We asked Marc Priestley, former McLaren race mechanic, to share his thoughts. From the late-night racing to the city atmosphere, Marc shares what makes Singapore different and what to expect if you are planning to attend.
What to expect in this guide
• Meet your guide: Marc Priestley
• The Singapore Grand Prix: a team’s perspective
• Where do F1 teams stay during the Singapore Grand Prix?
• 5 reasons to add the Singapore Grand Prix to your F1 bucket list
• Frequently asked questions
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
We asked Marc Priestley, former McLaren race mechanic, to share his thoughts on the Singapore Grand Prix. From late-night racing to the city’s electric atmosphere, Marc shares what makes Singapore different and what to expect if you are planning to attend.
Marc spent nearly a decade at McLaren, working trackside as a race mechanic and part of the pit crew. He was there from the Mika Hakkinen years through to the 2008 season finale in Brazil, where Lewis Hamilton clinched his first World Championship.
Now a TV presenter, YouTuber, speaker, and author of The Mechanic, Marc has continued to share his knowledge of the sport since leaving the pit lane.
Below, he gives his take on the Singapore Grand Prix and why this night-time street circuit stands out on the calendar.
The Singapore Grand Prix is one of the highlights of the current Formula One calendar. It was the sport’s first night race and has grown steadily in popularity since it first ran in 2008.
The Marina Bay Street Circuit runs through the city centre and is fully floodlit. The race starts at dusk and finishes late into the night, which makes for a striking sight from the grandstands.
Teams and drivers stay on European time to manage the schedule. It feels unusual at first, but it works. The city is well suited to it. When we finished in the garages around 1 am, there were still plenty of places open to eat, drink, and unwind.
The event is a tough challenge for everyone involved: drivers, teams and cars alike.
• Some drivers arrive early to adjust to the heat and humidity. They can lose up to 3 kg in sweat during the race, so hydration is important. The concentration required under the lights adds to the physical and mental demand.
• The cars feel the heat too. Brakes, engines and energy systems all need extra attention. The many slow corners and short straights give limited opportunity for cooling.
• Like Monaco, the race runs on public roads. Bumps, manholes, painted lines and surface changes all affect grip and lap times.
• Qualifying matters here. Overtaking is difficult, and strategy often determines the result. Teams also have to manage a long pit lane, a low speed limit and a high likelihood of a safety car appearance.
• Car setup is built around high downforce and strong traction through the slow corners.
City centre races have a different feel to those held on purpose-built circuits. The noise carries differently, the fans are closer to the action, and you are more likely to cross paths with a driver in the street.
Most teams stay in the hotels near the track: The Conrad, The Ritz-Carlton, The Mandarin Oriental and The Pan Pacific. The Marina Bay area is a good base for the weekend. There are rooftop bars with views across the circuit. One worth visiting is City Space Bar at the top of the Swissôtel. It has a clear view of the track and is a good spot to take in the surroundings.
Like Monaco, Singapore offers more than just the race itself. The city is easy to navigate, well set up for visitors, and there is plenty to do between sessions.
5 reasons to add the Singapore Grand Prix to your F1 bucket list
Singapore and beyond Singapore is well connected by air, which makes it a practical starting point if you want to extend your trip into the rest of Asia.
City centre racing The track runs through the heart of Singapore, surrounded by hotels, restaurants and landmarks. It is straightforward to get around and you are never far from the action.
Good views at a range of prices Grandstands are positioned at several points around the circuit, covering both tight corners and faster sections. The Empress, Bayfront, and Turns 1 and 2 grandstands put you close to the racing at a reasonable price.
Entertainment included Concerts are included in the race ticket, alongside fan zones, driver appearances and activities around the circuit.
Race by night, explore by day The night race format means your days are free to spend in the city. Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island and the wider Marina Bay area are all worth visiting before heading to the track each evening.
