Marina Bay Street Circuit
In 2008, the motorsport world witnessed something truly groundbreaking: the first-ever night-time Formula 1 race. The stage? The dazzling Marina Bay Circuit in Singapore. Designed by the renowned architect Herman Tilke and further refined by KBR Inc., this street circuit quickly became a standout on the F1 calendar.
Picture this: the city’s iconic skyline, bathed in the glow of thousands of lights, as roaring engines echo off the skyscrapers. It was the 15th round of the 2008 season, and Singapore had the honor of hosting this historic event. Fernando Alonso of Renault clinched a controversial victory, etching his name into the annals of F1 history.
The Marina Bay Circuit isn’t for the faint-hearted. Its bumpy street surface, combined with the sweltering humidity, pushes drivers to their limits. Even after a layout tweak in 2023 (reducing the corners from 23 to 19), they wrestle with the wheel around this high-speed lap. The physical strain can cause them to shed up to 3 kilograms of body weight during a race – talk about intense!
If you want to experience Singapore at its electric best, mark your calendar for the F1 weekend. Here’s why:
Singapore Flyer: Start by taking a ride on the Singapore Flyer, a giant Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of the track’s permanent pits complex. You’ll see the cityscape from a whole new perspective.
Bar and Restaurant Scene: Singapore knows how to throw a party. Dive into the city’s incredible bar and restaurant scene – from rooftop bars with skyline views to hidden speakeasies serving up creative concoctions.
Raffles Hotel: Cocktail enthusiasts, listen up! Make a pilgrimage to the legendary Raffles Hotel, home of the iconic Singapore Sling. And don’t worry – they serve non-alcoholic versions too!
Don’t miss out on the excitement of the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix!
2023 Race Recap
1st Place Carlos Sainz, Ferrari, 1:46:37.418
2nd Place Lando Norris McLaren Mercedes, +0.812s
3rd Place Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes,
Details of the Singapore Grand Prix 2024
- First Grand Prix: 2008
- Number of laps: 62
- Circuit Length: 4.94 km
- Lap Record: 1:35.867, Lewis Hamilton (2023)
- Race distance: 306.143 km