The Singapore Grand Prix arrives with the aim of disrupting Red Bull’s dominant run this season, led by Max Verstappen, who has stretched the best consecutive winning streak in Formula 1 history. The calendar realignment, which removes four tight hairpins to create a longer straight, reshapes strategies and narrows the playing field for rivals aiming to challenge the championship leaders.
Singapore first joined the F1 calendar in 2008 as the sport’s groundbreaking night race, raced on a compact circuit that pushes drivers to the limit in close, demanding battles that can swing on a single moment. Since then, the event has grown into a staple of the season, with the race weekend often offering surprises as it traverses the humid atmosphere and the walls that line a city street course. The two-hour limit amplifies the pressure, turning even minor errors into costly incidents that can decide outcomes on race night.
In recent seasons, improvements in aerodynamics have increased car performance and stability, making the Singapore course feel markedly different from its original form. Since the 2023 edition, the shift from sixteen to nineteen corners by introducing a long straight has altered the circuit’s essence, reducing the claustrophobic charm that once defined the night race and changing how teams balance speed with strategy.
Regarded as a milestone year for Fernando Alonso, the Spaniard who became a two-time world champion in 2005 and 2006, his victory remains a talking point years later. The controversy surrounding its outcomes sparked debate when allegations later surfaced about a strategic maneuver involving a safety car, which many tied to Alonso’s rise on the championship ladder. The Renault era that followed saw less podium pressure for Alonso, but his perseverance continued to fuel discussions about the circuit where his performance has often shone. In 2010, racing with Ferrari, he achieved a dominant Grand Chelem, claiming pole, fastest lap, and victory from the front, leading every lap of the race at a venue that has hosted some of his most memorable drives.
Singapore has long been a stage for memorable drives. In 2013, Alonso recovered from seventh to third after a dramatic first corner moment. In 2017, he started eighth with a McLaren-Honda that had seen a tumultuous season, fought his way to a podium finish, and endured a setback following an incident involving Verstappen, Vettel, and Raikkonen that momentarily halted his surge. Ahead of the 2023 race, Alonso returned to Singapore with a competitive machine, still chasing victories outside the Red Bull camp. Although wins in Monaco, Canada, and Zandvoort had shown competitiveness elsewhere, Singapore remained a circuit where bold runs were anticipated.
For Verstappen, Singapore has not delivered the same success as other venues. The Dutch driver has yet to win or secure pole on his six appearances and has rarely led beyond a few laps. That history creates an opening for rivals, including teammate Sergio Perez, who see an opportunity to end what would be the longest winning streak in Formula 1 history if a strong performance lands on race day.
F1 Singapore GP calendar
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Saturday, September 16: Free practice 03:11:30.
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Classification: 15:00
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Race: Sunday, September 17