The 2024 Formula One season is heating up and the next stop is the highly anticipated Singapore Grand Prix. Held at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in the heart of the vibrant city-state, this night race is a spectacle unlike any other on the F1 calendar. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect.
Where Were We: Piastri Wins Sensational Race in Baku
The previous round in Baku saw McLaren’s Oscar Piastri claim a sensational victory, his second of the season. Piastri outdueled Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in a wheel-to-wheel race, while George Russell secured the final podium position for Mercedes.
But that wasn’t even the biggest story. Late in the race, Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez crashed out while fighting for the podium in the closing laps. McLaren’s Lando Norris capitalized on the situation, finishing an impressive fourth after starting from P15, crucially ahead of championship leader Max Verstappen.
Reflecting on this eventful race, Piastri admitted, “That was probably the most stressful afternoon of my life.” Despite the pressure, the young Australian sounded calm and composed as usual.
Piastri was satisfied with his victory and the team’s progress. “Considering where we started when I joined the team last year, we were literally last and now we are leading the championship. It’s a big thanks to the team for improving the car but improving myself as well,” he said.
Baku marked a significant shift in the championship, with McLaren overtaking Red Bull to lead the constructors’ standings by 20 points.
READ MORE: Complete Schedule of Formula 1 2024
The Track: Marina Bay Street Circuit
The Marina Bay Street Circuit is one of the most demanding tracks on the Formula 1 calendar. The 4.94 km circuit, with its bumpy surface and humid conditions, is a true test of physical endurance for the drivers.
Last year’s track modifications saw the corner count reduced from 23 to 19, but the circuit remains a challenging and unforgiving venue. The tight confines of the street circuit, combined with the unique demands of racing under artificial light, make the Singapore Grand Prix a standout event on the F1 calendar.
Charles Leclerc, who narrowly missed out on victory in Baku, is determined to bounce back in Singapore. “McLaren and Oscar did an exceptional job and were better for us. A great shame for Carlos, I hope everyone is okay and not a great day for the team. […] In the straights I couldn’t get as close as I wanted, and we lost the race when I didn’t quite defend as well as I could have but it is how it is, sometimes you do mistakes and I will learn from it,” the Monégasque driver recalled.
Race Preview
So, who’s going to tame the streets of Singapore? Let’s take a look at the current standings.
Drivers’ Current Championship Standings
| Rank | Driver | Points | Wins | Podiums |
| 1 | M. Verstappen (Red Bull) | 313 | 7 | 10 |
| 2 | L. Norris (McLaren) | 254 | 2 | 10 |
| 3 | C. Leclerc (Ferrari) | 235 | 2 | 9 |
| 4 | O. Piastri (McLaren) | 222 | 2 | 6 |
| 5 | C. Sainz Jr. (Ferrari) | 184 | 1 | 5 |
| 6 | L. Hamilton (Mercedes) | 166 | 2 | 4 |
| 7 | G. Russell (Mercedes) | 143 | 1 | 3 |
| 8 | S. Pérez (Red Bull) | 143 | 0 | 4 |
| 9 | F. Alonso (Aston Martin) | 58 | 0 | 0 |
| 10 | L. Stroll (Aston Martin) | 24 | 0 | 0 |
| 11 | N. Hülkenberg (Haas) | 22 | 0 | 0 |
| 12 | Y. Tsunoda (RB) | 22 | 0 | 0 |
| 13 | A. Albon (Williams) | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| 14 | D. Ricciardo (RB) | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| 15 | P. Gasly (Alpine) | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| 16 | O. Bearman (Haas) | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| 17 | K. Magnussen (Haas) | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| 18 | E. Ocon (Alpine) | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 19 | F. Colapinto (Williams) | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| 20 | G. Zhou (Kick Sauber) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 21 | L. Sargeant (Williams) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 22 | V. Bottas (Kick Sauber) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Constructors’ Current Championship Standings
| Rank | Constructor | Points | Wins | Podiums |
| 1 | McLaren | 476 | 4 | 16 |
| 2 | Red Bull | 456 | 7 | 14 |
| 3 | Ferrari | 425 | 3 | 14 |
| 4 | Mercedes | 309 | 3 | 7 |
| 5 | Aston Martin | 82 | 0 | 0 |
| 6 | RB | 34 | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | Haas | 29 | 0 | 0 |
| 8 | Williams | 16 | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | Alpine | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| 10 | Kick Sauber | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Max Verstappen leads the drivers’ standings, but his advantage has been reduced following the events in Baku. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are spearheading McLaren’s championship charge, while Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. look to respond for Ferrari. The Mercedes pair of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell remain in contention, sitting sixth and seventh respectively.
George Russell, who secured an unexpected podium in Baku, was pleasantly surprised by the result. “Definitely surprised, but glad to see Checo and Carlos were okay. On the hard tyre we were one of the quickest out there, got past Max and an added bonus to get the podium,” the Briton commented.
In the constructors’ battle, McLaren holds a 20-point lead over Red Bull, with Ferrari close behind in third.
READ MORE: F1 Drivers Salaries and When Their Contracts Expire
Schedule & How to Watch the Singapore GP in the UK
UK fans, we’ve got you covered. Sky Sports and Channel 4 will be broadcasting the race. Here’s when to tune in (all times UK).
Friday, September 20
- Practice 1: 10:30 – 11:30
- Practice 2: 14:00 – 15:00
Saturday, September 21
- Practice 3: 10:30 – 11:30
- Qualifying: 14:00 – 15:00
Sunday, September 22
- Race: 13:00
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