Singapore Grand Prix

The first night race

F1’s first-ever night race, run since 2008 under the Marina Bay city skyline. Drivers race in the dark on a street circuit lit by 1,500 lamps; from a fan perspective, the visual is unmatched in motorsport. From a driver perspective, it is the most physically demanding race of the year — 90% humidity, two-hour race duration, and tight street walls.

Why it matters

Singapore is the longest-duration race on the calendar (close to two hours) and the most physically taxing. Drivers lose 3-4 kg of body weight from sweat per race. The race is held at Marina Bay because Singapore wanted a globally-televised showpiece event; F1 wanted an Asian time-zone-friendly broadcast slot for European audiences.

What to watch for

• Turn 14 (formerly the Singapore Sling) — the chicane was simplified in 2018 but still defines the rhythm of the lap.
• Driver fitness — by lap 50 you can see fatigue in the radio communication. The driver who hydrates best wins.
• The skyline — broadcast cameras frequently cut to wide shots of the Marina Bay Sands hotel during caution periods. There is no other view like it in F1.