Formula One and Singapore Grand Prix, a pairing now synonymous with night-time racing spectacle, first joined forces 16 years ago. Many doubted the success of a night race on a city circuit. Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One’s chief executive at the time, thought otherwise. Today, six of the 24 Formula One races take place at night, and many races now incorporate elements introduced by Singapore, some directly inspired by the Marina Bay event. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, another night race, looks to Singapore as a benchmark.
Bernie Ecclestone, former Formula One chief executive, boldly predicted the success of night races, saying in 2008, “When people see this, they will realize it wasn’t a stupid idea.” His vision has been vindicated, with Singapore paving the way for five additional night races on the current F1 schedule.
The Marina Bay Street Circuit, home of the Singapore Grand Prix, presents a formidable challenge to drivers and teams alike. Illuminated by over 1,600 light projectors, the 3-mile circuit winds through the heart of the city, creating a visually stunning backdrop for the race. The lighting system, which requires nearly 70 miles of power cables, takes a staggering five months to install and two months to dismantle.
Jonathan Hallett, Managing Director of Singapore GP Pte, the race promoter, acknowledges the monumental task they faced: “When it was first suggested that Singapore should host the world’s first F1 night race, we knew that we faced an immense challenge“.
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The Singapore Grand Prix is known for its grueling conditions. Drivers must complete 62 laps of a technical, 19-turn street course while enduring cockpit temperatures in excess of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The intense heat and humidity push competitors to their physical limits, with drivers potentially losing up to eight pounds of fluid during the race.
Alex Albon, a Williams driver, emphasizes the importance of training specifically for this event: “We’re pretty much training for the two or three races in the calendar that really take it out of you.” Preparation includes heat acclimatization exercises, cognitive tests and special nutrition plans to combat the extreme conditions.
The night race format has proven beneficial to both spectators and organizers. Cooler evening temperatures encourage greater participation, while the later start time allows for a larger television audience in Europe and the United States. This successful model has inspired other venues, such as the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, to adopt similar strategies.
Martin Whitaker, managing director of the Saudi Motorsport Company, praises Singapore’s influence: “We have a lot of respect for what the Singaporeans do. They run a fantastic event. They’re a very good benchmark on which to aim at“.
The Singapore Grand Prix has contributed significantly to the local economy, with organizers claiming a $1.5 billion impact since its inception. Ong Ling Lee, Executive Director of Sports and Wellness at the Singapore Tourism Board, notes, “The ability to transform our city streets into a race track reinforces our reputation as a trustworthy, efficient and forward-thinking city“.
