- The Singapore Grand Prix serves as round 17 of the 2024 F1 season
- Race's high heat and humidity are a challenge for both car and driver
- Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen leads the 2024 Drivers' Championship
Round 17 of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship takes place this weekend in Singapore at its Marina Bay Circuit, a city circuit famous for hosting F1's first night race back in 2008.
Like Monaco, speeds don't get very high due to the short straights, tight corners, and bumpy surface, meaning teams with slower cars have a better chance at securing a win.
However, the conditions of the track make the Singapore Grand Prix one of the trickiest to arrive at the ideal car setup. The high heat and humidity, and stop-start nature of the track also make Singapore a real challenge for both car and driver, something that isn't helped by the race's long two-hour duration.
Prior to last year’s race, the track was shortened, with the particularly slow section from turn 16 to 19 turned into a long straight that opens up the possibility for overtaking. The current layout measures just over three miles and features 19 corners and four DRS zones. Lap times were reduced by roughly 10 seconds due to the changes.
Marina Bay Circuit, home of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix
Changeable weather can also be an issue in Singapore, with the current forecast calling for some rain during Saturday's qualifying session and dry but cloudy weather during Sunday's race. The peak temperature is expected to reach about 90 degrees on Sunday with humidity levels at 70%.
Pirelli's tire nomination is the softest combination of C3, C4, and C5 compounds. Teams need to concern themselves with the high degree of track evolution, as the racing line on the normally public road is swept clean of dirt, and more rubber is laid down each lap. Features like manholes and white lines can also alter grip levels.
Following some early practice on Friday, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was the fastest, followed by McLaren's Lando Norris and fellow Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz.
Going into the weekend, Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen leads the 2024 Drivers' Championship with 313 points. Norris is second with 254 points and Leclerc is third with 235 points. In the Constructors' Championship, McLaren leads with 476 points. Red Bull is second with 456 points and Ferrari is third with 425 points. Last year's winner in Singapore was Sainz, driving for Ferrari.
