Singapore Grand Prix facts for kids
| Marina Bay Street Circuit | |
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| Race information | |
|---|---|
| Number of times held | 23 |
| First held | 1966 |
| Most wins (drivers) |  Sebastian Vettel (5) |
| Most wins (constructors) |  Ferrari (5) |
| Circuit length | 4.940 km (3.070 mi) |
| Race length | 306.143 km (190.228 mi) |
| Laps | 62 |
| Last race (2024) | |
| Pole position | |
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| Podium | |
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| Fastest lap | |
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The Singapore Grand Prix is a super exciting car race that is part of the Formula One World Championship. This special race happens on the Marina Bay Street Circuit. It was the very first Formula One race ever held at night! It was also the first street circuit designed for Formula One in Asia.
The original Singapore Grand Prix took place from 1966 to 1973. It returned to the Formula One calendar in 2008 at Marina Bay. Fernando Alonso won the first modern Formula One race here. He drove for the Renault team. Later, it was found that his teammate, Nelson Piquet Jr., was told to cause a crash on purpose. This was done to bring out the safety car at a time that would help Alonso win. This race was also the 800th Formula One World Championship race!
The Marina Bay circuit is known for being very challenging. It almost always has a safety car during the race. The only exception was the 2024 race. Sebastian Vettel has won the most races here, with five victories. The race will stay on the Formula One calendar until at least 2028.
Contents
- Race History
- Early Races: Formula Libre
- Formula One Era: The Night Race Begins
- 2008: The First Night Race
- 2009: Hamilton's Victory
- 2010: Alonso's Second Win
- 2011: Vettel Dominates
- 2012: Vettel Wins Again
- 2013: Vettel's Hat-Trick
- 2014: Hamilton's First Singapore Win for Mercedes
- 2015: Vettel's Fourth Singapore Win
- 2016: Rosberg's Milestone Win
- 2017: Hamilton Benefits from First-Lap Crash
- 2018: Hamilton Extends His Lead
- 2019: Vettel's Final Win
- 2020–2021: Race Cancellations
- 2022: Pérez Takes the Win
- 2023: Track Changes and Sainz's Victory
- 2024: Norris Wins a Record-Breaking Race
- The Marina Bay Street Circuit
- Attendance Numbers
- Race Winners
- Track Layout Changes Over Time
- Concerts and Entertainment
- More About Formula One
- See also
Race History
Early Races: Formula Libre
The first race in Singapore was in 1961. It was called the Orient Year Grand Prix. It took place on the Thomson Road Grand Prix circuit.
In 1966, it was renamed the Singapore Grand Prix. This happened shortly after Singapore became its own country in 1965. The race stopped after 1973 for a few reasons. There was more traffic, and the track was very dangerous for racing. It was also inconvenient to close roads for the event. Sadly, there were also fatal accidents in the 1972 and 1973 races.
Formula One Era: The Night Race Begins
In 2008, it was announced that Formula One would come to Singapore. A five-year deal was signed. The telecommunications company Singtel became the main sponsor. The race was officially called the Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix. The Singapore government helped pay for 60% of the costs.
About 110,000 tickets were sold for Singapore's first Formula One race. All the tickets sold out! The 2008 race also hosted a special after-party called Amber Lounge. In 2010, Singapore became the second place to host the Amber Lounge Fashion show.
2008: The First Night Race
The first race at the new Marina Bay Street Circuit was a big deal. It was the 15th race of the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship. It was also the first ever night race in Formula One history! Being a night race meant people outside Asia could watch it live easily. The track was lit up by special projectors. Felipe Massa started in pole position for Ferrari. He was leading the race until a pit stop went wrong. His fuel rig broke, and he dropped to last place. Fernando Alonso won the race for Renault. However, this win was controversial. Renault was found to have told Nelson Piquet Jr. to crash. This caused a safety car, which helped Alonso win.
- Pole position: Felipe Massa (Ferrari) – 1:44.801
- Race winner: Fernando Alonso (Renault) – 1:57:16.304 (61 laps)
- Fastest lap: Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) – 1:45.599
2009: Hamilton's Victory
For the 2009 race, the track was changed a little. Turns 1, 2, and 3 were modified to make overtaking easier. Turn 10 was also changed because high kerbs caused many accidents in 2008. McLaren driver and reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton started from pole position and won the race. Timo Glock finished second for Toyota. Fernando Alonso was third for Renault. This was Renault's first race after getting a suspended ban for manipulating the previous year's race.
- Pole position: Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) – 1:47.891
- Race winner: Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) – 1:56:06.337 (61 laps)
- Fastest lap: Fernando Alonso (Renault) – 1:48.240
2010: Alonso's Second Win
Fernando Alonso became the first driver to win twice in Singapore. He was now with Ferrari. He started from pole position and held off Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel to win. This was his 25th F1 career victory. Michael Schumacher was making his F1 comeback in 2010. He finished 13th in his Mercedes. A memorable moment was when Heikki Kovalainen jumped out of his burning Lotus T127. He borrowed a fire extinguisher and put the fire out himself!
- Pole position: Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) – 1:45.390
- Race winner: Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) – 1:57:53.579 (61 laps)
- Fastest lap: Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) – 1:47.976
2011: Vettel Dominates
Sebastian Vettel was having an amazing year in 2011. He had already won eight races before Singapore. He led the drivers' championship by over 100 points. He won the Singapore race from his 11th pole position of the season. Vettel, Button, Webber, Alonso, and Hamilton finished in the top five. Michael Schumacher had another tough race. He crashed into Sergio Pérez's Sauber.
- Pole position: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) – 1:44.381
- Race winner: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) – 1:59:06.757 (61 laps)
- Fastest lap: Jenson Button (McLaren) – 1:48.454
2012: Vettel Wins Again
In September 2012, it was announced that the Singapore Grand Prix would stay on the Formula One calendar until 2017. Lewis Hamilton got his fifth pole position of the season for McLaren. It was his second pole in Singapore. Pastor Maldonado from Williams was a surprise on the front row next to him. But Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull took the lead when Hamilton had to stop due to gearbox problems. Vettel won his 23rd Grand Prix. He dedicated his win to Sid Watkins, a famous F1 doctor who had recently passed away.
- Pole position: Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) – 1:46.362
- Race winner: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) – 2:00:26.144 (59 laps)
- Fastest lap: Nico Hülkenberg (Force India) – 1:51.033
2013: Vettel's Hat-Trick
For the 2013 race, a part of the track called the "Singapore Sling" chicane was changed. Cars would now go through a flowing left turn before speeding towards the Anderson Bridge.
Sebastian Vettel won his third straight race in Singapore for Red Bull. This was his 33rd career win. He started from his second Singapore pole position. He briefly lost the lead to Nico Rosberg's Mercedes at the start. But he quickly took it back and won by over half a minute. Fernando Alonso was on the podium again. He stopped his Ferrari to pick up Mark Webber. Webber's Red Bull car was on fire at Turn 7.
- Pole position: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) – 1:42.841
- Race winner: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) – 1:59:13.132 (61 laps)
- Fastest lap: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) – 1:48.574
2014: Hamilton's First Singapore Win for Mercedes
In April 2014, Singapore Airlines became the sponsor for the Singapore Grand Prix.
New turbo-charged, hybrid-powered F1 cars arrived this year. A rule banning radio messages caused some discussion before the race. Mercedes's Lewis Hamilton won his seventh race of the year. He became Singapore's third driver to win multiple times. His teammate Nico Rosberg had to retire due to technical problems. Sebastian Vettel, who was moving to Ferrari in 2015, finished second. His new Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo was third.
- Pole position: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – 1:45.681
- Race winner: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – 2:00:04.795 (60 laps)
- Fastest lap: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – 1:50.417
2015: Vettel's Fourth Singapore Win
Lewis Hamilton arrived in Singapore hoping to get another pole position. This would put him one shy of his hero Ayrton Senna's record of eight in a row. Another win would also give Hamilton 41 victories, the same as Senna. Sebastian Vettel took his first pole position for Ferrari. He then won his fourth race at Marina Bay. Hamilton had to retire during the race because he lost electrical power. Daniel Ricciardo finished second, between the two Ferraris. Formula One rookie Max Verstappen famously shouted 'No!' when told to let his Toro Rosso teammate Carlos Sainz pass him.
During the 2015 race, a spectator actually walked onto the track! This happened on the straight after Anderson Bridge. Leaders Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo sped by. The man climbed over the fence when the safety car was out. Vettel called the man 'crazy' after the race. The 27-year-old man was arrested by police. CCTV showed he had snuck through a gap in the fence.
- Pole position: Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) – 1:43.885
- Race winner: Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) – 2:01:22.118 (61 laps)
- Fastest lap: Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) – 1:50.041
2016: Rosberg's Milestone Win
Nico Rosberg was racing in his 200th Grand Prix. He was battling his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton for the championship. Rosberg took pole position and won the race, holding off Daniel Ricciardo. Hamilton finished third. Rosberg went on to win the championship that year.
- Pole position: Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) – 1:42.584
- Race winner: Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) – 1:55:48.950 (61 laps)
- Fastest lap: Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) – 1:47.187
2017: Hamilton Benefits from First-Lap Crash
Before the 2017 race, it was announced that the Singapore Grand Prix would continue until 2021. This race was very important for the championship. Pole-sitter and title contender, Sebastian Vettel, was in a crash at the first corner. His Ferrari teammate Kimi Räikkönen and Red Bull's Max Verstappen were also involved. All three drivers had to retire from the race. Vettel's rival, Mercedes's Lewis Hamilton, took full advantage. He won the race from 5th place on the grid. This increased his championship lead over Vettel from 3 points to 28.
- Pole position: Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) – 1:39.491
- Race winner: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – 2:03:23.544 (58 laps)
- Fastest lap: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – 1:45.008
2018: Hamilton Extends His Lead
After a tough weekend in Monza, Ferrari hoped for a win in Singapore. However, Lewis Hamilton took pole position. Max Verstappen was second, and Vettel was third. At the start, two Racing Point Force India drivers, Sergio Pérez and Esteban Ocon, crashed. Ocon had to retire. Vettel overtook Verstappen just before the Safety Car came out. Vettel pitted early for ultrasoft tyres. Most others chose soft tyres. He came out behind Pérez but passed him a lap later. Verstappen pitted for soft tyres and came out just ahead of Vettel. Vettel, on faster-wearing tyres, couldn't attack. Later, Pérez clashed with Sergey Sirotkin. Pérez got a penalty. Sirotkin also got a penalty for forcing Brendon Hartley off track. Later, Sirotkin was battling Romain Grosjean as Hamilton and Verstappen came to lap them. Grosjean kept fighting Sirotkin instead of letting the leaders pass. This allowed Verstappen to get close to Hamilton. Grosjean received a penalty. In the end, Hamilton won, Verstappen was second, and Vettel was third. Hamilton increased his championship lead to 40 points.
- Pole position: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – 1:36.015
- Race winner: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – 1:51:11.611 (61 laps)
- Fastest lap: Kevin Magnussen (Haas) – 1:41.905
2019: Vettel's Final Win
Ferrari was doing well with Charles Leclerc winning two races in a row. Leclerc took pole position in Singapore, ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel. After a pit stop, Leclerc lost the lead to his teammate Vettel. Hamilton, who stayed out longer on soft tyres, also got ahead of Leclerc. For a short time, Antonio Giovinazzi led the race for Alfa Romeo-Sauber. But he was soon passed by faster cars. Three safety cars came out during the race due to cars retiring. In the end, Sebastian Vettel won his last career race. Charles Leclerc was second, and Max Verstappen was third. This was Ferrari's first 1-2 finish since the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix.
- Pole position: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:36.217
- Race winner: Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) – 1:58:33.667 (61 laps)
- Fastest lap: Kevin Magnussen (Haas) – 1:42.301
2020–2021: Race Cancellations
The Singapore Grand Prix was cancelled in both 2020 and 2021. This was because of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Singapore had travel restrictions for tourists at that time.
2022: Pérez Takes the Win
On January 27, 2022, the Singapore Grand Prix contract was extended until 2028.
- Pole position: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:49.412
- Race winner: Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) – 2:02:20.238 (59 laps)
- Fastest lap: George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:46.458
2023: Track Changes and Sainz's Victory
The Grand Prix track had big changes in 2023. Turns 16–19 were removed to help build NS Square. Instead, there was a new fast, straight section until turn 16 (which used to be turn 20). The number of laps increased from 61 to 62. Lap times became about ten seconds faster. The race was expected to finish in about an hour and a half. This was unlike previous races that often lasted close to the two-hour time limit.
- Pole position: Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari) – 1:30.984
- Race winner: Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari) – 1:46:37.418 (62 laps)
- Fastest lap: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – 1:35.867
2024: Norris Wins a Record-Breaking Race
For the 2024 Grand Prix, a fourth DRS zone was added. This was between turns 14 and 16 to help with overtaking. This made it only the second Formula One track, after the Albert Park Circuit, to have four DRS zones. Lando Norris took pole position and won the race, leading every single lap. He almost achieved a "grand slam" (winning from pole, leading every lap, and setting the fastest lap). But Daniel Ricciardo set the fastest lap instead. Max Verstappen finished second, and Oscar Piastri was third. George Russell came fourth for Mercedes. Charles Leclerc recovered to fifth for Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton finished sixth after starting on a different tyre strategy. Carlos Sainz Jr. took seventh place. He started tenth after crashing in qualifying. Fernando Alonso, Nico Hülkenberg, and Sergio Pérez also scored points. This was the fastest Singapore Grand Prix ever. It was also the first one not to have at least one safety car!
- Pole position: Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:29.525 All Time Lap Record
- Race winner: Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:40:52.571 (62 laps)
- Fastest lap: Daniel Ricciardo (RB) – 1:34.486 Official Lap Record
The Marina Bay Street Circuit
The Singapore Grand Prix track has changed a little over the years. But its main design has stayed the same. It's a very twisty circuit. It's the slowest track in Formula One for a normal race distance (over 305 km). Because it's so close to walls, safety cars often come out. This makes the race last longer, often close to the two-hour time limit.
The race is a huge test for both drivers and their cars. It has many 90-degree turns. It also has tricky sections and quick changes in direction. Drivers usually overtake at the end of the first section, where cars reach their highest speeds. There are runoff areas at the end of long straights, but they are short for Formula One. In most parts of the track, cars race very close to the walls. Winning here really depends on a driver's experience and skill.
Drivers often say the Singapore Grand Prix is the “toughest race of the Formula 1 calendar.” Drivers get very tired because of several things. These include high heat and humidity. They lose a lot of sweat and body fluids. There are also many corners (19 in total). There's little room for mistakes because it's a street circuit. Also, races almost always finish near the two-hour time limit. Four races have even reached the time limit instead of completing all the laps.
Attendance Numbers
| Year | Average Daily Attendance | Total attendance (Three-Day) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 100,000 | 300,000 | |
| 2009 | 83,000 | 249,000 | |
| 2010 | 81,350 | 244,050 | |
| 2011 | 82,500 | 247,500 | |
| 2012 | 84,317 | 252,951 | |
| 2013 | 87,509 | 262,527 | |
| 2014 | 84,454 | 253,362 | |
| 2015 | 86,970 | 260,912 | |
| 2016 | 73,000 | 218,824 | |
| 2017 | 86,800 | 260,400 | |
| 2018 | 87,666 | 263,000 | |
| 2019 | 89,333 | 268,000 | |
| 2022 | 100,667 | 302,000 | |
| 2023 | 88,036 | 264,108 | |
| 2024 | 89,690 | 269,072 |
Race Winners
Drivers with Multiple Wins
Drivers in bold are racing in Formula One this season.
A pink background means the event was not part of the Formula One World Championship.
| Wins | Driver | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Sebastian Vettel |
2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2019 |
| 4 |  Lewis Hamilton |
2009, 2014, 2017, 2018 |
| 3 |  Graeme Lawrence |
1969, 1970, 1971 |
| 2 |  Fernando Alonso |
2008, 2010 |
| Sources: | ||
Teams with Multiple Wins
Teams in bold are racing in Formula One this season.
A pink background means the event was not part of the Formula One World Championship.
| Wins | Constructor | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Ferrari |
1970, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2023 |
| 4 |  Red Bull |
2011, 2012, 2013, 2022 |
| Mercedes |
2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 | |
| 3 | McLaren |
1969, 2009, 2024 |
| Sources: | ||
Engine Manufacturers with Multiple Wins
Manufacturers in bold are racing in Formula One this season.
A pink background means the event was not part of the Formula One World Championship.
| Wins | Manufacturer | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Mercedes |
2009, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2024 |
| 5 |  Ford * |
1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1971 |
| Ferrari |
1970, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2023 | |
| 4 |  Renault |
2008, 2011, 2012, 2013 |
| Sources: | ||
* Built by Cosworth
Winners by Year
A pink background means the event was not part of the Formula One World Championship.
Track Layout Changes Over Time
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Original circuit (2008–2012)
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Revised circuit with the Singapore Sling chicane at turn 10 removed (2013–2014)
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Revised circuit with re-profiled turns 11–13 (2015–2017)
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Revised circuit with re-profiled turns 16–17 (2018–2019, 2022)
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Revised circuit with new straight between turns 15–16 (2023–present)
Concerts and Entertainment
The Singapore Grand Prix is more than just a race! Since it started in 2008, it has become famous for being the first night race in Formula 1. But it's also a huge entertainment festival. The event at the Marina Bay Street Circuit offers an amazing experience. It mixes exciting racing with world-class music, shows, and fun activities.
Main Music Stars
2008
Bob Marley's Wailers, Carl Cox, Agnelli and Nelson, Sa Ding Ding, Cyril Niccolai, The Fab Four Australian Beatles Show, Nitin Sawhney Sound System
2009
Travis, Chaka Khan, Backstreet Boys, Youssou N'Dour
2010
Mariah Carey, Missy Elliott, Daughtry, Adam Lambert
2011
Linkin Park, Charice, Shaggy, Rick Astley, Daddy G & 3D from Massive Attack
2012
Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Jay Chou, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Bananarama
2013
The Killers, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Tom Jones, Bob Geldof, Laura Mvula
2014
Jennifer Lopez, Mayday, Robbie Williams, Ziggy Marley, Pet Shop Boys, John Legend
2015
Maroon 5, Pharrell Williams, Spandau Ballet, Bon Jovi, Jimmy Cliff
2016
Kylie Minogue, Queen + Adam Lambert, Imagine Dragons, Bastille, Halsey, KC and the Sunshine Band, Pentatonix
2017
Calvin Harris, Ariana Grande, Duran Duran, OneRepublic, Seal, The Chainsmokers
2018
Martin Garrix, Dua Lipa, The Killers, Liam Gallagher, Jay Chou, Simply Red, The Sugarhill Gang, Sekai No Owari, Young Fathers, Björn Again
2019
Swedish House Mafia, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Cardi B, Hans Zimmer, Muse, Fatboy Slim, Toots and the Maytals, Larkin Poe
2020 - 2021
Cancelled due to COVID-19
2022
Marshmello, Black Eyed Peas, Westlife, TLC, The Kid LAROI, Green Day, Suede
2023
Post Malone, Robbie Williams, Kings of Leon, Culture Club, Madness, Groove Armada, 88rising lineup (Jackson Wang, NIKI, Rich Brian, Warren Hue, XG, BIBI, MILLI, Atarashii Gakko!)
2024
OneRepublic, Kylie Minogue, Lenny Kravitz, Disclosure, HONNE, The Jungle Giants, The Corrs, Kool & The Gang, BABYMONSTER, Tones and I, James Murphy, Kelis, Dean Lewis
2025 (Yet to take place)
Elton John, Foo Fighters, Alan Walker, The Smashing Pumpkins, G-Dragon, CL, Crowded (More acts to be announced)
More About Formula One
See also
In Spanish: Gran Premio de Singapur para niños
