TRACK OVERVIEW

The Marina Bay Street Circuit, located in the heart of Singapore, is one of the toughest and most spectacular tracks in Formula 1. It hosted F1’s first-ever night race in 2008, and the stunning city skyline makes it one of the most iconic events of the season.

As a tight and twisty street circuit, it pushes drivers to the limit with narrow barriers, high curbs, and little room for mistakes. The mix of humid weather, bumpy roads, and sharp 90-degree corners makes it one of the most physically demanding races on the calendar.

In 2023, the circuit layout was updated by removing four corners to create a longer straight, offering better overtaking opportunities. Now, at 4.928 km (3.062 miles) long, it’s still one of F1’s longest and slowest tracks, with over 20 corners and frequent safety cars, as even small errors can lead to crashes.

• Race distance: 62 laps (total distance of 306.143 km)
• Lap record: 1:34.486 by Daniel Ricciardo (2024)
• Most wins: Sebastian Vettel (5 victories)

KEY SECTIONS OF THE CIRCUIT

• Turn 1 (Sheares Corner): A tight right-hander at the end of the pit straight, often chaotic at the start.
• Turn 5 (Republic Boulevard): A fast exit is crucial here before entering the first DRS zone, a key overtaking spot.
• Turn 7 (Memorial Corner): A sharp left where late-braking battles frequently happen.
• Turn 10 (Singapore Sling): Once a brutal chicane, now a smoother but still tricky left-hander.
• Turn 13 (Anderson Bridge): A tight left before a narrow section, where mistakes can send drivers into the wall.
• Turns 22-23 (Final Corners): High-speed right-handers leading onto the main straight—critical for DRS battles into Turn 1.

BEST GRANDSTANDS FOR SPECTATORS

• Turn 1 & Turn 2 Grandstands: The best place for first-lap drama, late-braking battles, and potential overtakes.
• Republic Grandstand: Positioned along one of the few DRS zones, making it a great spot to see overtaking attempts.
• Memorial & Stamford Grandstands: Located near Turn 7, where heavy braking often leads to side-by-side action.
• Super Pit & Pit Grandstands: Perfect for watching pre-race preparations, pit stops, and the finish line celebrations.
• Bayfront & Promenade Grandstands: A scenic option with great views of the cars blasting past the waterfront.
• Connaught Grandstand: Overlooks a high-speed section of the track, offering a thrilling view of cars at full throttle.
• Padang Grandstand: A great not as pricy option with decent views and a fun festival atmosphere, as it’s near the entertainment area.
• General Admission (Walkabout Tickets): One of the best general admission setups in F1—multiple viewing platforms, great city skyline views, and access to various entertainment zones. Arrive early for the best spots!

HOW TO GET TO THE TRACK

The Marina Bay Circuit is located in downtown Singapore, making it one of the most accessible races on the F1 calendar.

• MRT (Subway): The best way to reach the circuit. For Zone 1, use Gate 1 (Nicoll Highway or Lavender with a shuttle), Gate 2 (Promenade), or Gate 10 (Bayfront). For Zone 4, enter through Gates 3 or 4 (City Hall), Gates 5 or 6 (Raffles Place), or Gate 7 (Esplanade or City Hall).
• Bus: Several bus routes serve the Marina Bay area, but expect delays due to road closures during race weekend.
• Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis and Grab (Singapore’s Uber alternative) are available but expect surge pricing and heavy congestion after the race.
• Walking: As Singapore is a city-state, there are more options to stay close to the track. Staying nearby and then walking to the circuit is a great option as road closures make traffic unpredictable.

RACE DAY TIPS

• Arrive early: With entertainment, support races, and pre-race ceremonies, there’s plenty to enjoy before the F1 race starts.
• Stay hydrated: Singapore’s humidity is intense, even at night. Bring a refillable bottle as hydration stations are available.
• Dress for the weather: Light, breathable clothing is essential. Rain showers are common, so a poncho is recommended (umbrellas are not allowed in the grandstands).
• Use ear protection: The echo of F1 cars through the city streets is extremely loud. Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs are a must.
• Plan your exit: With 250,000+ fans attending over the weekend, post-race congestion is severe. Consider staying at the track to enjoy concerts or exploring the city before heading back.

WHERE TO STAY

• Marina Bay & Raffles Place: The best location for luxury hotels and proximity to the track, but expect high prices on race weekend.
• Clarke Quay & Boat Quay: A vibrant area with mid-range hotels, great nightlife, and easy access to the circuit via MRT.
• Bugis & Little India: More affordable options while still within a short MRT ride from the track.
• Geylang & Chinatown: Budget-friendly accommodations but farther from the track. Ensure your hotel is near an MRT station for easy travel.
• Find more accommodation options HERE.