The Singapore iconic track has undergone recent renovations and will feature four DRS (Drag Reduction System) zones this year. In this article, we’ll take a look at where the main teams stand ahead of the Singapore GP Formula 1 weekend.
Singapore streets await: F1 returns with drama and danger to Singapore GP
Formula 1 is set to return to the fast yet narrow streets of the Marina Bay Circuit for the Singapore Grand Prix.
Marina Bay Street Circuit
Since hosting its first Formula One race in 2008, the Marina Bay Circuit has become famous for its 24 Safety Car deployments and some of the most memorable moments in modern F1 history.
One of the most controversial incidents, known as “Crashgate,” happened here in 2008. Nelson Piquet Jr. revealed that team principal Flavio Briatore had instructed him to crash intentionally, triggering a Safety Car and allowing teammate Fernando Alonso, who was leading at the time, to benefit from the situation and ultimately win the race.
Another unforgettable moment came in 2013 when Sebastian Vettel set an astonishing lap at the start of Q3 during qualifying, securing pole position without needing to return to the track later in the session. The four-time world champion famously claimed pole while standing in the pit lane.
Navigating the Marina Bay Circuit is a significant challenge for drivers, with its 19 corners (11 left-handers and 8 right-handers) and combination of long straights leading into tight, technical turns. Key overtaking opportunities are expected at Turn 1 and Turn 3, with the front straight feeding into a fast left-hander at Turn 1, followed by the slower, winding Turn 3, providing space for drivers to make their moves.
Red Bull’s struggles and McLaren’s surge
Red Bull Racing is facing a surprising dip in performance, with Max Verstappen’s last win coming almost three months ago. The team’s recent struggles are evident as they have lost their lead in the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren, following Oscar Piastri’s victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Red Bull’s struggles could continue at Singapore, where even their best car has historically failed to secure a win. This track may foreshadow further difficulties for the team over the weekend.
In contrast, McLaren has been on an upward trajectory throughout the 2024 season. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have secured two wins each, with Norris even emerging as an outside contender for the championship, despite trailing Verstappen by more than 50 points.
Street circuits have been a strong suit for McLaren and Ferrari this season. Charles Leclerc claimed victory at his home race in Monaco, while Piastri triumphed in Azerbaijan. The only other street race, in Saudi Arabia, was won by Verstappen early in the season.
Given McLaren and Ferrari’s success on street circuits, their recent performances at Monaco and Azerbaijan will likely serve as valuable insights as they prepare for Singapore, potentially putting them in the best position to challenge for victory once again.
We hope you enjoyed this article about Singapore GP, If you did, please share it with others. You might also be interested in reading our article about Louis Vuitton Cup, or browsing other reviews in our Luster English section.