Job by Théo Neufoud September 19, 2024
This weekend, from September 20 to 22, the paddock has a date with the Singapore Grand Prix. The 18th round of the 2024 Formula 1 season, the Marina Bay circuit is a must-see event on the calendar. A recent race, with several new features in recent years, it is often an opportunity to witness a great spectacle.
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The pilots of Formula 1 are taking part in the 18th round of the 2024 season, this weekend from 20 to 22 September, in Singapore. While McLaren (476 points) has just taken the lead in the constructors’ championship ahead of Red Bull (456 points), the Marina Bay Grand Prix will once again be a decisive event. The track is one of the four street circuits on the calendar (Monaco, Baku, Singapore, Las Vegas). It takes place at night, not only because of the weather conditions, but also to adapt to the usual European timetables. The race starts at 8pm local time (2pm in France), and the track is surrounded by 1,500 street lights, specially installed around the circuit. Another special feature: the circuit is run in an anti-clockwise direction, like Austin (United States), Interlagos (Brazil) and Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates).
A controversial Marina Bay circuit
This year, the Marina Bay circuit presents a major new feature: a fourth DRS zone (Drag Reduction System). Last year, the track was already modified at this point of the layout to reduce the number of corners (from 23 to 19) and to provide a new 400m long straight in the third sector. This is where this fourth “drag reduction system” zone was introduced, between turns 14 and 16, to allow for more potential overtaking during the 62 laps of the race. Being a street circuit with a narrow track, it is difficult for drivers to overtake, except on the straights. With the addition of DRS, position changes should be numerous this weekend in Singapore.
Of the 4.94km track, much of it is on a bumpy surface. Add to that the very wet weather conditions (hence the need to race at night) and you have an extraordinary physical challenge for the drivers. Depending on the conditions, riders can lose up to 3kg of body mass in a single race! In 2008, Lewis Hamilton claimed that this circuit is twice as difficult to master as Monaco.
Great Formula 1 moments in Singapore
During its first edition in 2008, the Singapore Grand Prix was marked by the famous “crashgate”. A deliberate accident by Nelson Piquet Jr. on the 13th lap of the race had favored the victory of his teammate Fernando Alonso, then 15th on the starting grid. Having entered the pits a lap early during the Safety Car, the Spaniard had found himself leading the race. This incident had notably led to the exclusion of Flavio BriatoreRenault F1 Team principal, from the world of Formula 1. Ultimately, neither Renault nor Alonso won the championship that year. Sixteen years later, Briatore and Alonso will be present in Singapore, the former with Alpine as an executive advisor, the latter as a driver for Aston Martin.
Over the seasons, Marina Bay has managed to put that incident behind them, with memorable racing moments. In 2011, Sebastian Vettel (the most successful driver in Singapore) consolidated his dominance that season by winning a perfect Grand Prix. First in the second free practice session, pole position ahead of teammate Mark Webber, and a faultless race where the German led 61 laps from start to finish. It was the first of a long series of victories at Marina Bay, and a world championship title all but assured for Vettel.
In 2017, the Singapore Grand Prix was undoubtedly one of the craziest! Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) had once again dominated the first days of the weekend, taking his fourth pole position at Marina Bay. Behind him were Max Verstappen (Red Bull), Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) and Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari). For the first time, the Asian race was held in the rain, with a soaked track. Vettel got off to a bad start, while Verstappen, just behind the dazzling Räikkönen, was involved in a collision. Verstappen and Räikkönen ended up off the track at the first corner, while Vettel, staying on the track, lost control of his car at the third corner and ended his race in a tyre wall. It was ultimately Lewis Hamilton (starting 5th) who took advantage of the incident and took victory, taking a nice lead in the drivers’ standings on his way to his fourth world title.
Last year, the Singapore Grand Prix was another great spectacle. Before the 2023 edition, Red Bull had won the first 14 races of the season (12 for Verstappen and 2 for Pérez). However, for the first time this year, the Dutchman failed to reach Q3 and started from 11th position. Carlos Sainz, who started from pole, drove a perfect race, retaining his first place thanks to a smart strategy, ending Red Bull’s dominance and giving Ferrari its only victory of the season.
Singapore Grand Prix Winners
Drivers:
- Sebastian Vettel: 5 wins (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2019)
- Lewis Hamilton: 4 wins (2009, 2014, 2017, 2018)
- Fernando Alonso : 2 victoires (2008, 2010)
- Nico Rosberg : 1 victoire (2016)
- Sergio Perez: 1 win (2022)
- Carlos Sainz: 1 win (2023)
Manufacturers:
- Red Bull: 4 wins (2011, 2012, 2013, 2022)
- Mercedes: 4 wins (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
- Ferrari: 4 wins (2010, 2015, 2019, 2023)
- Renault: 1 victory (2008)
- McLaren: 1 win (2009)
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