Formula 1 Today: What Makes Marina Bay Street Circuit a Challenging Track for Drivers
As the Formula 1 season approaches the Marina Bay Street Circuit, drivers and teams are preparing for one of the most demanding races on the calendar. Former world champion Nico Rosberg once described the experience as “like being in a sauna on a spinning bike for two hours.” The unpredictable conditions of this unique track create plenty of action and drama, drawing in over 260,000 fans last year. But what makes this circuit so challenging for drivers?
Relentless Corners
Marina Bay Street Circuit is a street circuit like no other, with 19 corners over 4.94km – an average of one every 260m. This intensity creates an average race lap time that is second only to Monaco on the slowest list. Drivers have no time to breathe, with corner-after-corner layout keeping them on the edge of their seats. Nico Rosberg explained, “You have the seatbelts really tight, so you can hardly breathe properly. You have to hold your breath in the corners.”
Between the Barriers
The track is lined with barriers, and drivers get very close in certain places. Max Verstappen has admitted to consciously leaving “a bit more margin” in his driving to avoid ending up in the wall. Last year, Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll walked away from a big crash in qualifying, and Mercedes’ George Russell made a mistake chasing down McLaren’s Lando Norris, ending up in the barriers on the final lap of the race.
Endurance
Not only is the track one of the most intense in F1, the race is also the longest. Last year’s race saw the fastest time yet, clocking in at one hour 43 minutes, but still pushed the two-hour maximum time limit. Maintaining full concentration at that level of intensity, with few moments for a break, means that simply getting around the track at all is an impressive feat.
Bumps and Kerbs
As a street circuit, the track is far from smooth. The bumpy ride and high kerbs make life uncomfortable for drivers, and teams typically have to set up their cars with a higher ride height than normal, hampering aerodynamics. This was particularly notable for Red Bull last year, as their car was more specifically tuned to running at lower levels than its rivals.
Heat and Humidity
Until last year’s Qatar Grand Prix, conditions in Singapore were deemed the most demanding on the calendar. Drivers risk heat stress as ambient temperatures can hit more than 40 degrees Celsius, pushing cockpit temperatures up to as high as 60 degrees. Many drivers acclimatise in saunas the week before the race, and the only cooling they get out on track is provided by a 1500mm² inlet at the front of the car and helmet vents.
Time-Shift
Just to add another dimension to the challenge, Singapore has always been run as a night race. This does not really affect the visual experience, but it turns race weekend timing completely on its head. The teams and drivers operate on European time, going to bed just as the sun is coming up and getting up for breakfast at 2pm, ready to head to the track.
The Only Elusive Venue for Max Verstappen
Despite winning at 26 different circuits, Max Verstappen is yet to step onto the top of the podium at the Marina Bay Street Circuit – in fact, it is the only race on this year’s calendar where he has not yet managed to win. He first appeared on the podium in 2018, finishing second to Hamilton, and was third the following year.
Don’t miss the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2024, live on 20 to 22 September. Book now at www.singaporegp.sg.
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