During the regular Formula 1 season, there are many interesting circuits that the drivers circulate during the year, one of them being the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore. The Marina Bay Street Circuit will not only host the Formula 1 race from Sept. 20 through Sept. 22 but for the first time, the Formula 1 Academy drivers will have their chance at the circuit. Since the circuit will be the star of the weekend. Here is what you need to know about it.
The circuit was first introduced to the regular Formula 1 season in the year 2008. The circuit was part of the season from 2008-2019. The circuit was briefly removed from the season during the years 2020 and 2021 until it made its comeback in the year 2022. The track is located in the buzzing center of downtown Singapore and is 4.94 km in length, with drivers racing for a total of 62 laps. Lewis Hamilton currently holds the record for the fastest lap at 1:35.867, which was achieved in 2023.
It currently has 19 turns and one speed trap during the first sector. Even though the circuit has been refurbished many times, it is still one of the most challenging tracks of the season due to its bumpy surface. The bumpy surface is not the only thing that makes this race so challenging. The hot and humid weather and the g-force from the cars are true tests for the drivers and their desire to succeed on this track.
Courtesy of Formula1.com
The circuit is home to one of six current night races that happen during the season. The nighttime race does not only allow for a great light show during the nighttime but also great entertainment for the weekend.
The race weekend will have a star-studded lineup from artists across the globe. Most of the artists will be performing on either the Zone 1 or Zone 4 stage. The lineup includes One Republic, Kylie Minogue, Lenny Kravitz, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Disclosure and many more. This lineup will join the iconic list of past performers like Post Malone, Kings of Leon, Swedish House Mafia and Muse.
While the track has been iconic for its off-the-track moments, like Fernando Alonso’s 2008 “Crashgate” scandal. The scandal was caused after Alonso’s former Renault teammate Nelson Piquet Jr. crashed during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix which caused Alonso to receive an advantage and ultimately win the race. After Piquet Jr. was let go from the team, it was alleged that the team had asked him to deliberately crash during the race to improve Alonso’s race situation.
Courtesy of Jens Buettner/EPA
The course might have had its past with involvement in scandals, however it also has been a part of some iconic wins like Carlos Sainz’s second career racer win in 2023, which gave us an infamous “Carlando” podium with Lando Norris finishing in second that year.
Courtesy of Mario Renzi – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images
As the Marina Bay Street Circuit continues to evolve, it promises to offer even more exhilarating experiences for fans and drivers alike, maintaining its legacy as one of Formula 1's most iconic tracks.
Edited by Madison Roost
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