Everything you need to know about the first ever night race in Formula 1 history: Singapore GP

The Singapore Grand Prix is one of the most anticipated races on the Formula 1 calendar thanks to its eventful history, challenging chicanes and turns, and stunning night-time setting. The trendsetter of night racing in the Formula 1 world, the Singapore Grand Prix promises to be an exciting and adrenaline-packed event that goes beyond racing.

History of the Singapore Grand Prix

The first Formula 1 race in Singapore, also the first night race in the history of Formula 1, took place on September 28, 2008. Singapore’s debut at the F1 stage was a great success, drawing massive crowds from neighboring countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and more. 

It was also the 800th Formula One World Championship race since it was founded in 1950. While Felipe Massa started on pole with Ferrari, Fernando Alonso won the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix. 

It is also worth noting that while Formula 1 made its debut in Singapore in 2008 as the “Singapore Grand Prix,” the original Singapore Grand Prix was an annual event organized at the Thomson Road Circuit between 1966 and 1973 under Australian Formula 2 and Formula Libre rules. 

Evolution of the Singapore Grand Prix circuit over the years

• The Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore is one of the most challenging and energy-sapping circuits to race, according to many Formula 1 drivers. Lewis Hamilton said it was two times more challenging to race here than in Monaco. 
• The 4.94 kilometer circuit is predominantly narrow throughout, with plenty of complex turns, bumps, and high curbs.
• The circuit has undergone several changes since 2008 after the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) took note of the complaints from drivers. The high curbs across the circuit, bumpy racing surface, and dangerous pit lane entry were some of the major concerns of most drivers.
• While the FIA addressed these issues, a few more changes were made to the circuit. The infamous Singapore Sling on turn 10 was replaced with an easier and faster left-handed turn. 
• A few minor changes were made ahead of the 2015 race to create overtaking opportunities between turns 11 and 13.
• The circuit remained unchanged till 2023 before a certain portion of the track was removed between turns 16 and 19. A new straight was added, which improved lap times by ten seconds. 
• The changes between turns 16 and 19 led to the removal of the Bay Grandstand, which dropped attendance by around 40,000 that year.