After a two-year hiatus since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix is back, reigniting the excitement from this Friday to Sunday (September 30th to October 2nd). Many fans are undoubtedly holding back their excitement, eager to head to the track to witness the speed and passion firsthand.
Beyond the drivers competing on the track, spectators also needed quick hands to secure their spots. After a two-year break, tickets for this year’s Singapore Grand Prix have sold out rapidly, truly a case of “you snooze, you lose.” The number of tickets sold has already surpassed the 2019 event, and spectator numbers are set to hit a new high.
Table of Contents
2022 Singapore Grand Prix Rekindles the Thrill
Race Overview
In 2019, witnessed by 268,000 spectators, Sebastian Vettel defeated rivals Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen to win the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix. After two years, the Formula 1 landscape has changed dramatically. The dominance of Mercedes-Benz has ended, and Red Bull has re-emerged as a top contender. Red Bull’s Dutch driver, Max Verstappen, now leads Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by a substantial 98 points in the driver standings. Given the significant performance gap between the two teams, Verstappen could potentially clinch the annual championship in Singapore, securing his second title.
Race Schedule
To prepare for the event and ensure it runs smoothly, affected roads around the Marina Centre and the Padang have been closed for seven days starting today. These roads were closed from 12:01 AM on September 28th and will reopen to traffic at 5:30 AM on October 4th.
The specific schedule for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix 2022 is as follows:
| September 30 | 6:00pm-7:00pm | Practice 1 |
| September 30 | 9:00pm-10:00pm | Practice 2 |
| October 1 | 6:00pm-7:00pm | Practice 3 |
| October 1 | 9:00pm-10:00pm | Qualifying |
| October 2 | 8:00pm – 10:00pm | Race |
Here are the 2022 F1 driver standings:
Verstappen, Red Bull: 335
Leclerc, Ferrari: 219
Pérez, Red Bull: 210
Russell, Mercedes: 203
Sainz, Ferrari: 187
Hamilton, Mercedes: 168
Norris, McLaren: 88
Ocon, Alpine: 66
Alonso, Alpine: 59
Bottas, Alfa Romeo: 46
Most Wins at the F1 Singapore GP:
Sebastian Vettel: 5 times (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2019)
Lewis Hamilton: 4 times (2009, 2014, 2017, 2018)
Fernando Alonso: 2 times (2008, 2010)
The Most Famous Night Race and Non-Stop Festivities
The Singapore F1 circuit is named the Marina Bay Street Circuit, located adjacent to Marina Bay. It is a track specially designed for night racing and is also Asia’s first F1 street circuit. The track has a lap length of 5.067 km, and the race consists of 61 laps, for a total race distance of 309.087 km. The circuit features 23 corners and runs in a counter-clockwise direction.
Compared to the cars’ top speeds of over 300 km/h, speeds on most parts of this street circuit are only around 100 km/h. However, this does not diminish the thrilling excitement of the race or the showcase of the drivers’ skills. When the Singapore Grand Prix was first established, its safety was questioned. But the organizers dispelled all doubts with perfect organization. Since its debut in the 2008 season, the Singapore Grand Prix has become one of the most glamorous events of the season and a track that all drivers aspire to conquer. The work of the Singapore Grand Prix organizing committee has been unanimously recognized by F1 management, resulting in a 7-year contract extension until 2028. Starting from 2022, the event will continue to be held at the Marina Bay Street Circuit for another seven consecutive years!
The Singapore Grand Prix season is the most thrilling and captivating time, igniting the entire city’s energy. In addition to the exhilarating race, the event is accompanied by various concerts, entertainment shows, parties, and other lively activities, attracting a large number of local and international fans. The race has also invited artists such as Westlife, Black Eyed Peas, Suede, American rapper Fatman Scoop, and renowned Dutch DJ Oliver Heldens to perform.
Beyond the entertainment, there are also numerous gourmet feasts for food lovers, including the F1-themed “Roaring Dinner Feast” and “Fuel Up Brunch.” About 25 corporate meetings and events will also be held here, including the Forbes Global CEO Conference.
This year’s F1-themed Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) is divided into four main precincts. Besides Orchard Road, Clarke Quay, and Kampong Gelam, Sentosa has been included for the first time, allowing overseas visitors to enjoy the tropical flair of beaches and islands, inviting them to a non-stop 10-day celebration.
The Positive Impact of the Event
A survey of 1,045 local adults by polling firm YouGov found that about 60% of locals believe the event has a positive impact on the country, with the tourism and F&B sectors benefiting significantly. The Singapore Tourism Board stated that since F1’s debut in Singapore in 2008, it has generated over S$1.5 billion in tourism receipts. The last event before the pandemic in 2019 attracted 268,000 spectators, the second-highest attendance since the event’s inception.
Overseas spectators typically account for about 40% of the total attendance, and this year is no exception, with the potential to even exceed this ratio.
Total F&B spending during the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix is expected to exceed S$400 million. More than a dozen surrounding hotels are fully booked, with five-star hotel room rates soaring. At least three hotels have priced a three-night stay during the event at over S$10,000!
CIMB Research economist Song Seng Wun stated: “From a global perspective, this is the brightest light shining on Singapore since the pandemic, and it’s a grand party to move on from the COVID-19 pandemic.” As Mr. Song said, this is more than just a race; it marks the return of bustling scenes, and in a retaliatory fashion.
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