05 April 2019 09:10
Formula 1 in recent years has become synonymous with the vibrant expanding city of Singapore for the championship's only de facto night race, taking place against a staggeringly futuristic backdrop. Motorsport Live takes a look at the city state.
Singapore only joined the calendar in 2008 but it has already established itself as one of the sport's most forward-thinking venues and on-track it has played host to some defining moments in the championship's history - particularly in each of the last three seasons.
In 2016 an emphatic victory for Nico Rosberg set up his charge to the championship while one year later the dramatic start-line crash skewered Sebastian Vettel's title aspirations and cleared the path for Lewis Hamilton's journey to a fourth world title. Fast forward to 2018 and Hamilton's astonishing pole position lap against the run of play provided the platform for the Briton to triumph, leaving a demoralised Vettel only third, with the race ultimately reflecting their championship destinations.
The street circuit itself is one of the most challenging on the Formula 1 calendar. It's mix of short straights interlinked with tight, complex turns, not to mention a safety car or two, means it normally goes the full two-hour distance. The high humidity levels make this the event that the drivers train for the most, as they often losing 3 to 4kg in sweat through the course of the torturous race. The floodlit lights adds to the spectacle, providing a phenomenal backdrop to the wheel to wheel racing taking place perilly close to the barriers, not to mention the night time race makes the sparking from the cars eminently more visible.
With Singapore being a street circuit, it means that there is a wealth of activities to keep everyone entertained in and around or away from the on-track action.
The Grand Prix itself was one of the pioneers of adding a high-profile music act to the event and 2019 will be no different. Muse, one of the biggest rock bands in the world, will be bringing their thrilling show to the Padang Stage in Zone 4 of the Circuit Park on Saturday, with the British band sure to rock through the evening, bringing the noise to the city. They will be joined by Grammy Award winner Cardi B, EDM kings Swedish House Mafia and one of the best-selling rock bands of the last three decades Red Hot Chili Peppers throughout the course of the weekend.
One of the most iconic sections of the 23-turn Formula 1 track is the Singapore Flyer that is located on the inside of the final couple of corners. Ticket holders in Zone 1 will have access to the spectacularly illuminated big wheel and the vantage point from high up is stunning, providing visitors with a 360-view of Singapore's ever-changing skyline.
If nature is your calling then a trip to the Gardens by the Bay is a must. This biodiverse area is one of the most staggering places on the planet, with its Supertrees, and a breath-taking music and lights show each evening. For the more adventurous (and curious) there is also the Treetop Walk, allowing visitors to hike along the raised walkway through the Singaporean jungle.
Another popular district of the city is the purpose-built Sentosa Island that houses tourist beaches and attractions. The famous cable car that glides its way to the island is well worth using and once there, visitors can take their pick from Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa and SEA Aquarium - not to mention the Tiger Sky Tower that provides incredible panoramic views, with Indonesia visible on a clear day.
Singapore also provides plenty of opportunities for those who love to shop; the iconic Marina Bay Sands complex houses a sprawling mall, Orchard Road is another favoured destination, while for a more authentic Asian experience there's the Chinatown Street Market on Trengganu Street.
And when all is said and done there'll be ample time to relax and rewind - and no visit to Singapore would be complete without stopping off at the Raffles Hotel for a cheeky Singapore Sling, the hotel where the world-famous cocktail was invented.
If you want to experience Formula 1's night thrills and take in a cosmopolitan city that blends Western influences with its Asian roots then the Singapore Grand Prix is unmissable. For the full list of ticket options, including Redbull and McLaren hospitality options, visit Motorsport Live today.
