Singapore Grand Prix History, facts and Stats | Marina Bay Street Circuit

Being absent from the Formula 1 calendar for the past two seasons, the Singapore Grand Prix returns in 2022 on September 30 to October 2.

History:

Formula 1’s first night race has firmly established itself as one of F1’s premier destinations thanks to its spectacular location on public roads set against a backdrop of the spectacular Singapore skyline, slick marketing, and big-name concerts. The event has enjoyed strong financial support from the local government, but the organizers are not rushing into the next contract with F1’s new owners, Liberty Media, as they presumably chase a better deal. The Singapore Grand Prix has been added to the 2022 F1 calendar but is still subject to the signing of a new contract.

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Attendances at the Singapore GP have actually fallen in recent years (from 87,000 in 2015 to 73,000 in 2016) and the race in neighboring Malaysia fell off the calendar for 2018 due to big financial losses. Despite the falling attendances in recent years, the event is still a big tourist draw card, attracting over 30,000 international fans to the city-state each September. During the inaugural event in 2008, the track drew criticism from drivers who complained about the excessively bumpy surface, potentially dangerous pit entry, and high curbs. Whilst these issues were sorted out, it wasn’t until before the 2013 race that the FIA approved some larger changes to the configuration of the Marina Bay circuit. The “Singapore Sling” chicane at turn 10 was removed and replaced with a simpler, faster left-hand turn. Further minor changes to the layout of the track from turns 11 to 13 were made ahead of the race in 2015, mainly to improve overtaking opportunities.

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Facts:

• Just four drivers have shared victories at the twelve Singapore Grands Prix held since 2008. Sebastian Vettel (2011-2013, 2015, 2019) and Lewis Hamilton (2009, 2014, 2017-2018) have won four times, Fernando Alonso twice (2008, 2010), and Nico Rosberg once (2016).

• The Safety Car has made at least one appearance in every Singapore Grand Prix held to date.

• With frequent Safety Car periods, it’s not unusual for the Singapore Grand Prix to run to the two hour limit. Four races here have been won in a time of over two hours.

• Spare a thought for the drivers, who endure sauna-like conditions in the cockpit during the Singapore Grand Prix and can lose up to 3kg of fluid during the race. The circuit, with its bumpy surface and 21 turns, is one of the most physically demanding races on the calendar.

• Approximately 1600 custom-made floodlights are spread around the 5.075km Marina Bay circuit. The lights, four times brighter than at a regular sports stadium, are specially designed to minimize glare and surface reflection, and to meet F1’s TV broadcasting standards.

• No driver has recorded more than 3 DNFs at the Marina Bay Circuit. Plenty of drivers have recorded 3 non-finishes here though, including reigning champion Lewis Hamilton.

• The 2017 Singapore Grand Prix was the first, and so far only, night race to be held in wet conditions.

• Red Bull have had more podium finishes here than any other team. They’ve scored top three results 13 times in total, double the tallies of Ferrari and Mercedes.

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Stats:

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