Singapore GP: New observe format and why the race is bodily most demanding for F1 drivers

Method 1 is difficult at the very best of instances however the Singapore Grand Prix is bodily essentially the most demanding occasion on the calendar and has thrown up some gorgeous performances too.

Since 2008, F1 have been racing underneath the lights across the Marina Bay Avenue Circuit. As it is a avenue circuit, driving near the partitions typically means you go sooner. Nevertheless, it is really easy to go over the restrict and find yourself within the wall.

Crimson Bull remarkably stay unbeaten in 2023 and Max Verstappen is on an unprecedented run of 10 consecutive wins. A serious purpose for this unbelievable success is Crimson Bull’s errors, or lack of, as they’ve operationally been wonderful.

However, if there’s one observe the place they may very well be caught out, it is Singapore. The truth is, all of it went mistaken for Verstappen final yr in Qualifying and the Grand Prix, so can he make amends for that 12 months on?

Why has Verstappen not gained in Singapore?

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Look again at a number of the most dramatic moments to have taken place on the Singapore Grand Prix.

Crimson Bull typically have not had the automobile to beat in Singapore, which is the principle purpose why Verstappen hasn’t gained there.

In 2017, the Dutchman began on the entrance row however was caught in the midst of Ferrari pair Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel on the run all the way down to Flip One.

A yr later, Lewis Hamilton produced an impressive Q3 lap to take pole place and managed the race from Verstappen, who needed to accept second.

Ferrari surprisingly took a one-two in 2019, with Verstappen in third and the Covid-19 pandemic meant there was no Singapore Grand Prix for the next two years.

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Max Verstappen had a weekend to neglect final yr in Singapore following a fuel-shortage blunder in qualifying and an error-filled race the place he completed seventh.

Final season, Verstappen was the massive favorite however a collection of operational errors in Q3 meant he began eighth. Having seemed unbeatable within the opening two elements of Qualifying, Verstappen aborted his penultimate lap in Q3 with a purpose to be the final driver throughout the road, however was then advised to field in his remaining lap as a result of he did not have sufficient gas. Each of these flying laps have been adequate for pole.

Within the race, he tried to overhaul Lando Norris going into Flip 7, however locked up closely and was compelled to pit for contemporary tyres, subsequently ending seventh.

‘Like you might be in a sauna on a spinning bike’

Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc attempt to get well after final yr’s Singapore GP

All of the drivers say Singapore is the hardest occasion of the yr as a result of warmth, humidity and demanding observe. It is so scorching, that the drivers’ cool drink turns into ingesting a scorching tea after just some laps within the race.

Nico Rosberg, who gained the 2016 Singapore Grand Prix, describes the depth of the hardest race on the calendar.

“I’d lose eight kilos (3.6kg) of body weight from sweating. It is such as you’re in a snowboarding swimsuit, whereas sitting on asphalt which is 45 levels. Then you will have the petrol proper behind you, which is 65 levels, so it is extraordinarily scorching,” Rosberg stated on the Sky Sports activities F1 Podcast.

“There is no contemporary air coming in, you will have the seatbelts actually tight and the carbon seat moulded to your physique, so you possibly can hardly breathe correctly.

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Ted Kravitz discusses the sustainable gas that’s coming to F1 in 2026.

“Nook after nook the place it’s important to maintain your breath within the corners, you possibly can’t breathe while you’re cornering since you maintain your breath.

“I keep in mind after 10 laps I’d have a look at the pit board and it could say ’50 laps to go’ and I am considering ‘I am performed. I am 10 laps in and there is 50 to go’. It is so horrible the sensation within the automobile, it is like you might be in a sauna on a spinning bike for 2 hours.

“Your head is beginning to pump throughout the helmet, your sweat is dripping down on the eyes and burning. It is extremely powerful.”

Will Crimson Bull’s streak come to an finish?

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Jenson Button offers his ideas on Lewis Hamilton’s newest feedback on Max Verstappen’s driving companions, in addition to wanting on the future for Lando Norris.

Crimson Bull have gained all 14 races in 2023 however have come underneath strain on the upper downforce tracks, notably over one lap. Suppose Monaco when Verstappen was compelled to drive the wheels off his automobile to grab pole from Fernando Alonso, or Hamilton taking high spot in Hungary with a mighty lap.

Singapore is all about mechanical grip and traction, two key areas the sector are a lot nearer to Crimson Bull. Ferrari confirmed that at Monza in Qualifying as they not solely had robust straight line velocity, however the drivers might stand on the throttle out of the slower corners with loads of confidence.

Aston Martin ought to be again in podium competition too with their nice change of path and a automobile that turns very nicely within the low-speed corners.

The pole sitter has gained eight of the 13 Singapore Grand Prix and overtaking is notoriously troublesome, so a spectacular efficiency from one of many Mercedes, Ferrari or Aston Martin drivers in Qualifying, thus giving them observe place, would possibly put Crimson Bull on the backfoot.

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Mercedes group principal Toto Wolff questions whether or not Max Verstappen would maintain any significance to setting a brand new report of ten consecutive Grand Prix wins.

“Singapore is such a troublesome observe. It is a observe with one of the vital corners of the yr, it is endless, nook after nook. It is actually troublesome to get the setup proper and get the tyres working correctly,” stated Rosberg.

“Perhaps we are able to have some surprises with some groups going extraordinarily nicely. I feel it’ll be refreshing.”

New Singapore format

There have been a couple of tweaks to the Marina Bay Avenue Circuit format since its inception in 2008 however this yr sees the largest change as 4 corners have been eliminated within the remaining sector.

The development of multi-purpose out of doors venue NS Sq. means Turns 16, 17, 18 and 19 have been eliminated, so the observe will now not go underneath the grandstand in the direction of the tip of the lap.

As an alternative, there shall be a straight from Flip 15 to the {old} Flip 20 and 21 chicane (which is able to now be the Flip 16 and 17 chicane). This may put much less stress on the tyres and provides the drivers a little bit of a breather too.

However, Singapore remains to be so powerful and a observe that may severely punish anybody who shouldn’t be on their recreation.

Sky Sports activities F1’s reside Singapore GP schedule

Friday September 15
10am: Singapore GP Apply One (session begins at 10.30pm)
1.45pm: Singapore GP Apply Two (session begins at 2pm)
3.30pm: The F1 Present

Saturday September 16
10.15am: Singapore GP Apply Three (session begins at 10.30am)
1pm: Singapore GP Qualifying build-up
2pm: Singapore GP Qualifying
3.45pm: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book

Sunday September 17
11.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Singapore GP build-up
1pm: THE SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
3pm: Chequered Flag: Singapore GP response
4pm: Ted’s Pocket book

Subsequent up for the F1 circus are the gorgeous streets of Singapore underneath the lights. All classes from the Singapore GP shall be reside on Sky Sports activities F1 from September 15-17. Stream F1 on Sky Sports with NOW. Cancel anytime