The Singapore Grand Prix is no ordinary race, according to former world champion Nico Rosberg. He once said it feels like working out in a sauna for two hours. The unique conditions make it full of excitement and drama for fans.
Last year, more than 260,000 people went to the Marina Bay Street Circuit to watch the race. It was thrilling to watch, but why is it so tough for drivers?
The Marina Bay Street Circuit is like no other track. It’s got 19 corners packed into just under 5 kilometers. That’s a corner every 260 meters! Only a few other tracks have more corners, but they’re longer. Drivers say it’s super tough. Nico Rosberg said it’s so intense, drivers barely have time to breathe.
The track is lined with barriers, and drivers get really close to them. Max Verstappen admits he plays it safe to avoid crashing into the walls. Last year, drivers like Lance Stroll and George Russell had big crashes.
Not only is the track tough, but the race is also the longest. Last year, it lasted almost one hour and 43 minutes. That’s a long time for drivers to stay focused and race wheel-to-wheel.
The track isn’t smooth, and many of the kerbs are high. Cars have to be set up differently, which can be tricky for the teams. Plus, it’s super hot and humid. Drivers lose a lot of sweat and can lose up to 4 kilograms of body weight during the race.
The race is run at night, which is a unique challenge. Everything, including sleep schedules, gets shifted around. Drivers have to adjust to sleeping during the day and racing at night.
Even though Max Verstappen has won on many tracks, he’s never won in Singapore. He’s been close a few times but hasn’t made it to the top of the podium yet.
So, the Singapore Grand Prix isn’t just tough for the drivers, it’s tough for everyone involved. But it sure makes for an exciting race!
