Singapore on the F1 calendar until 2028
The Marina Bay street circuit on the calendar since 2008 has just been extended for seven more years. The Singapore Grand Prix did not take place in 2020 and 2021.
Formula 1 announced today the extension of its contract with the Marina Bay circuit in Singapore.
The circuit has been part of the World Championship since 2008. It is known for being the first night race in the history of F1.
This first edition was also marked by the infamous crashgate story, which allowed Fernando Alonso to win the race.
Since the beginning of the health crisis, the Formula 1 Circus has not visited one of the jewels of the World Championship anymore. The last winner on this atypical track was none other than Sebastian Vettel in 2019, much to the annoyance of Charles Leclerc, thanks to a questionable team play at Ferrari.
The boss of F1, Stefano Domenicali, is delighted with this extension: “I am happy that Formula 1 will be able to continue racing in Singapore for seven more years […] Singapore holds a special place in the F1 calendar, and this extension is part of our long-term commitment to continue promoting the sport in Asia.”
It is also a geopolitical issue that promotes tourism and attracts Formula 1 in Asian countries.
The plans in place to reduce the event’s carbon footprint are impressive and aligned with our plans to be carbon neutral as a sport by 2030. I look forward to continuing our good relationship with the Singapore Grand Prix and the Singapore Tourism Agency for the return of Formula 1 to this incredible city, adds Stefano Domenicali. Indeed, the Singapore Grand Prix is perfectly aligned with the future goals of F1, which are to emit zero carbon. As a country, Singapore has both the means to invest in eco-friendly infrastructure and the perfect cityscape to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, with attractions such as the giant wheel located at the final turn and the Marina Bay Sands hotel. This represents a very important recipe for Formula 1.
The Singapore Grand Prix also holds a place in history as it is here that the first Formula 1 night race was organized in 2008. Over the years, this race has lived up to its promises both logistically, with its several thousand artificial lights that hide almost all the shadow areas, and in terms of spectacle, notably with the Renault cheating scandal in 2008, Felipe Massa’s daring overtaking maneuver on Bruno Senna’s Williams in 2012, or the crazy first lap in 2017. This circuit is therefore equally appreciated by fans, drivers, and teams.
It is also a physical challenge for the drivers. Indeed, the 23 turns of this urban circuit, the heat in the cockpit reaching 60 degrees, and the humidity levels reaching 70% make it a real physical and mental challenge for both the drivers and the mechanics. The drivers can lose between 3 and 5 kg of water after the race, as you may have seen on the race podiums.
So mark your calendars for the weekend of September 30th to October 2nd, 2022!
With the participation of Matteo Castel.
