- The Singapore Grand Prix serves as the 17th round of the 2024 F1 season
- The high heat and humidity of the race are a challenge for the car and the driver
- Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen leads 2024 Drivers’ Championship
The 17th round of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship takes us this weekend to Singapore and its Marina Bay Circuit, an urban circuit famous for hosting the first F1 night race in 2008.
As in Monaco, speeds are not very high due to the short straights, tight corners and uneven surface, meaning teams with slower cars have a better chance of securing a win.
However, the track conditions make the Singapore Grand Prix one of the more difficult to achieve the ideal car setup. The high heat and humidity, plus the stop-start nature of the track, also make Singapore a real challenge for both car and driver, something that is not helped by the race’s lengthy two-hour duration.
Before last year’s race, the track was shortened, with the particularly slow section from Turn 16 to 19 turned into a long straight that opens up the possibility of overtaking. The current layout measures just over three miles and features 19 corners and four DRS zones. Lap times have been reduced by around 10 seconds due to the changes.
Marina Bay Circuit, home of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix
Changeable weather could also be a problem in Singapore, with the current forecast predicting some rain during Saturday’s qualifying session and dry but cloudy conditions during Sunday’s race. Maximum temperatures are expected to reach around 90 degrees F on Sunday and humidity levels at 70%.
Pirelli’s tyre recommendation is the softest combination of C3, C4 and C5 compounds. Teams need to be aware of the high degree of track evolution, as the racing line on the normally public road is swept clean of dirt, and more rubber is laid down with each lap. Features such as manholes and white lines can also alter grip levels.
After some early practice on Friday, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was quickest, followed by McLaren’s Lando Norris and his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz.
Heading into the weekend, Red Bull Racing Max Verstappen leads the 2024 Drivers’ Championship with 313 points. Norris is second with 254 points and Leclerc is third with 235 points. In the Constructors’ Championship, McLaren leads with 476 points. Red Bull is second with 456 points and Ferrari is third with 425 points. Last year’s winner in Singapore was Sainz, driving for Ferrari.
