Round 16 of the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship is set to take place this weekend in Southeast Asia for the annual Singapore Grand Prix. This race presents a unique challenge, as having the fastest car isn’t the sole determinant for securing a win. This makes it the ideal opportunity for a rival to end Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen’s incredible run of consecutive wins, which currently stands at a record-breaking 10. It is worth noting that Verstappen has yet to win a race in Singapore.
Similar to Monaco, the speeds in Singapore don’t reach high levels due to the short straights, tight corners, and bumpy surface of the Marina Bay Circuit. This combination creates one of the trickiest races in terms of finding the ideal car setup. Another factor that adds to the challenge is the high heat and humidity, which push both the car and the driver to their limits. To combat the intense heat, the race is held at night, adding to the spectacle and uniqueness of the Singapore Grand Prix.
This year, the race will feature a revised layout due to ongoing construction in the vicinity of the street circuit. The section of the circuit between what was Turns 16 to 19 will now become one long straight, reducing the number of corners from 23 to 19. This change is expected to slow down lap times by approximately 10 seconds and increase the number of laps from 61 to 62.
Weather conditions can also play a significant role in the Singapore Grand Prix. The current forecast predicts rain throughout the weekend, which will add an extra layer of unpredictability to the race. Additionally, the peak temperature is expected to reach around 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius) during the race, further testing both the drivers and the cars.
Pirelli’s tire nominations for the race include the softer C3 as the white hard, C4 as the yellow medium, and C5 as the red soft, the same combination as last year. Teams participating in the race must also be mindful of the high degree of track evolution as the race is held on a street circuit. This means that the track’s grip levels can vary due to typical street furniture such as manholes and white lines.
In early practice sessions on Friday, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc showcased impressive speed, finishing as the fastest driver. He was closely followed by his teammate Carlos Sainz. These performances have undoubtedly raised hopes within the Ferrari camp for a strong showing in the upcoming qualifying and race sessions.
As it currently stands in the 2023 Drivers’ Championship, Max Verstappen leads the pack with 364 points. His fellow Red Bull driver, Sergio Perez, holds the second position with 219 points. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso is currently in third place with 170 points. In the Constructors’ Championship, Red Bull leads with 583 points, followed by Mercedes-Benz AMG in second with 273 points, and Ferrari in third with 228 points. In last year’s Singapore Grand Prix, it was Sergio Perez who emerged victorious while driving for Red Bull Racing.
This weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix promises to deliver exciting racing action and intense competition. With the unique challenges posed by the circuit’s layout, weather conditions, and the ongoing battle for the championship titles, fans can expect a thrilling race that might just see the end of Verstappen’s dominant winning streak. Only time will tell who will emerge victorious and etch their name in the history books of Formula 1.
