Formula 1 Travel Guide

The Iconic Singapore Night Race

Singapore hosts Formula 1’s original night race, with cars battling under floodlights against a backdrop of skyscrapers. It’s a spectacular fusion of sport, nightlife, and culture.

Circuit Layout & Stats

Official track layout for the Singapore Grand Prix.

Marina Bay Street Circuit Stats

• First GP: 2008
• Track Length: 4.940 km
• Laps: 62
• Race Distance: 306.143 km
• Lap Record (Race): 1:35.867 – Lewis Hamilton (2023)

Race Dates & History

The Marina Bay circuit was opened in 2008. A street track with views focused on the incredible Singapore city skyline as its backdrop. 2008 gave Singapore the honour of hosting the inaugural Asia hosted, night-time race on the history of Grand Prix racing. This change in racing timeslot proved to be a huge hit with both the teams and their drivers. The Marina bay circuit completely transforms its urban streets into a temporary fast paced race track. Singapore is known as round 18 on the Formula 1 calendar.

The Marina Bay circuit is proven to be one of the most physically demanding of Formula 1 calendar due to its bumpy street surface and intensely humid weather conditions. The city’s tropical climate pushes the temperature to extreme levels combined with the high humidity increases the toll on the drivers. The many corners and high-speed circuit increase the physical stress on the bodies of the drivers causing them to lose as much as 3kg in body weight during the race. It is so hot that the drivers’ cool drink turns to a hot tea after just a few laps on the Singapore circuit. It can reach temperatures of 50-60 degrees within the F1 car.

Accessibility

The Marina Bay circuit can be easily reached from Airport to hotel using Singapore’s extensive Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) underground train system. MRT is the most cost-effective transport system Singapore has to offer. The alternatives include bus transport for a cheap alternative otherwise door to door private taxi transport offers the most time efficient option. Singapore’s world-famous Changi airport is located approximately 30 mins from the CBD. All taxi fares are metered so the cost of transport will depend on distance and time taken of travel.

Accommodation

Singapore offers a wide range of accommodation options from ultra luxury hotels with views of Marina Bay to more budget friendly stays further from the circuit.

Many of the top properties like Marina Bay Sands, Ritz-Carlton Millenia, and Mandarin Oriental are in prime locations near the track and offer excellent amenities, but prices during GP weekend are steep and are often sold out well in advance. Expect rates of S$800-1,500+ per night for 5-star luxury, and S$250-400+ for more modest 3-4 star hotels or serviced apartments.

For those seeking value, hostel dorms or budget hotels further from the circuit (with good MRT access) can cut costs significantly though transportation and early booking are crucial. Many hotel booking guides recommend reserving at least 3-6 months in advance.

City & Circuit Highlights

• Racing through Marina Bay with breathtaking night views.
• Luxury rooftop bars, hawker centres, and cultural districts.
• Gardens by the Bay and Sentosa Island for sightseeing.
• Concerts and events across the city during race week.

Indicative Travel Costs (from Adelaide, full race weekend Wed–Mon)