Singapore
Marina Bay
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Track: Marina Bay Street Circuit
Singapore, is another of one of Formula One's challenging tracks on the calendar. The circuit takes the drivers throughout the glamorous city of Marina Bay accompanied with tight turns and challenging corners for drivers to master. Another special fact about this Circuit, is that it was the very first time that F1 had a night race.
Onboard Lap using EA SPORTS F1® 24
Helicopter shot of Marina Bay Street Circuit (Secret Singapore)
Singapore GP
The first time F1 raced at Singapore, was during the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship. What makes it so unique, is that the race would take place at night making it the F1's very first night race. Singapore, would be the first Street Circuit in Asia, and the first to be held at night. The Grand Prix, was dramatic, as drivers had a challenge, racing through the tight streets of Marina Bay. But, Renault's Fernando Alonso, managed to keep his pace, and won the first Singapore GP.
2008 Singapore GP (Formula1)
The Singapore GP was a success but, there were a few things that were heavily criticized by all the drivers in the field. The "Notorious Singapore Sling Chicane" , was one of the most hated aspects of the track. The Singapore Sling, has caused a lot of crashes over the past few years, sending a lot of drivers in the air after hitting the curbs, then sending them straight onto the barriers. F1 had noticed the issue, and began to redesign the turn, to make it more safer and more "drivable" for the drivers.
2008 - 2012 Singapore GP Layout(Wikipedia)
2013- 2022 Singapore GP Layout(Wikipedia)
The removal of "The Singapore Sling", was universally praised, by the fans and the drivers. It made the circuit, more enjoyable and safer for drivers to master. The chances of a Safety Car decreased with this change, and it made the circuit a fan favorite by the drivers.
Singapore Grand Prix (2013) Track Layout
2013 - 2022 (Wikipedia)
​Length: 5.06km 3.14mi
Laps: 61
In the 2013 Singapore GP, it would be memorable for Fernando Alonso helping out Mark Webber, by giving him a lift after Webber retired from the GP on the final lap. However, both of their actions had been noticed by the FIA Stewards, and unfortunately give them reprimands. This was Webber's third reprimand of the season, which triggers a 10-place grid penalty, in the next race in Korea.
Alonso helping Webber (2013 Singapore GP Sky Sports)
In the 2017 Singaporean GP, the Grand Prix, started with a dramatic opening. The weather was bad in Singapore, as rain was pouring everywhere. When the Grand Prix started, Red Bull's Max Verstappen, collided with Kimi Räikkönen's car, causing a chain reaction for other drivers to collide with each other. Verstappen's actions had fully ruined Ferrari's fight for the World Championship.
Chaotic start (2017 Singapore GP Motor Sports Magazine)
The 2020 & 2021 Singapore GP, would be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected, a lot of countries in Asia. But, F1 would return to Singapore in 2022, since COVID presence has been declining in Asia, thanks to vaccines being treated everywhere.
The 2022 Singapore GP, was one of two races that finished under a time limit. The race was in damped conditions, which caused multiple delays for the Grand Prix. A lot of drivers, including the World Championship leader Max Verstappen, suffered a lot from the terrible weather conditions. But the race would eventually be won by his teamate Sergio Pérez.
2022 Singapore GP (RacingNews365)
Marina Bay Street Circuit Layout​
Turns: 19
DRS Zones: 3
Length: 4.94km (3.07mi)
Fastest Lap: Daniel Ricciardo
1:34.486
The 2023 Singapore GP had also made another modification on track. They replaced turns 16 - 19, with one new straight alongside a new DRS zone. The Grand Pirx would be such a disastrous and heartbraking weekend for Mercedes' George Russell. Russell was on the charge for a Grand Prix victory. He was chasing Lando Norris who was in 2nd place from Carlos Sainz, the leading driver. Russell's teammate Lewis Hamiltom, soon joined the fight as all 4 drivers were seperated by half a tenths of a second. But at Turn 10, Russell unfortunately clipped the barrier, which caused his right rear wheel, to come off sending him towards the barriers on the final lap. The man who wanted a Grand Prix victory, unfortunately crashed on the final lap of the race.
2023 Singapore GP (News.com.au)
Singapore, is one of the most entertaining street circuits for fans to watch in Formula One. The twisty corners and challenging turns and straights for drivers to master, always brings entertainment to the table and would remain such a special track in the Formula One Calendar. It's presence laid the foundation of Night Races for F1 to further expand on.
WINNERS
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2008: Fernando Alonso
2009: Lewis Hamilton
2010: Fernando Alonso
2011: Sebastian Vettel
2012: Sebastian Vettel
2013: Sebastian Vettel
2014: Lewis Hamilton
2015: Sebastian Vettel
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2016: Nico Rosberg
2017: Lewis Hamilton
2018: Lewis Hamilton
2019: Sebastian Vettel
2022: Sergio Perez
2023: Carlos Sainz
2024: Lando Norris