With the Formula 1 racers set to bring the heat to the streets of Singapore once again in what's been a thrilling season so far, here's all you need to consider for your predictions
Coming off the back of the Formula 1 season summer break and a spectacular set of races, there's only a few days to go before the much-anticipated 2024 Singapore Grand Prix.
The race comes after Oscar Piastri scored his second ever victory for McLaren Mercedes Racing team, promoting the team to the very top step of the Constructors’ Championship standings, surpassing reigning champions Red Bull Racing.
McLaren last led the constructors’ championship after the first race of the hybrid era at the 2014 Australian Grand Prix.
In what has been arguably the most topsy-turvy season of F1 in recent memory, much has happened since even before the season began, with Lewis Hamilton’s shock move to Ferrari, Red Bull’s waning performance, Charles Leclerc’s victories in Monaco and Monza. Lando Norris, who has been driving for McLaren for 5 seasons is enjoying his most successful run in the driver’s standings of the season, only being second to Max Verstappen.
With the season now in its second half and Red Bull’s poor form, as well as McLaren’s recent run of dominant performances, Norris looks likely to surpass Verstappen by the end of the season. However, he’s not the only championship contender this year. Charles Leclerc is trailing close behind in third place.
The recent Azerbaijani Grand Prix in Baku highlighted Red Bull’s seemingly diminishing form with Max Verstappen only managing 5th place and teammate Checo Perez crashing out just before the final lap.
It remains to be seen how the driver’s championship will play out, with all eyes now set on Singapore's famed night race. Can Red Bull’s recent upgrades to their car be fine tuned enough to solve its current technical problems? Will Lando Norris be able to make sizeable inroads in eking out Max Verstappen’s championship lead? Will his teammate Oscar Piastri make it harder, or will the team have to step in with team orders to protect Lando’s championship run?
Lando seems more than ready to dethrone Max to become the next world champion, however it remains to be seen whether he can pull it off. There is still a sizeable deficit between the championship leader and second place. And with team orders and McLaren’s seemingly indecisive stance on whether they want to allow both of their drivers to race or have Oscar protect Lando against other teams’ drivers, it’s all down to the next few races to decide who comes out on top.
Other recent noteworthy events that have unfolded include lead aerodynamicist and car designer Adrian Newey’s future services have officially been secured by Aston Martin. This comes after the designer — who is behind some of the most technologically advanced and successful Formula 1 cars in history — concluded his partnership with Red Bull after 18 years.
The Azerbaijani GP also saw a few F1 rookies excel. Franco Colapinto, an F2 driver who was plucked out from F2 to replace an underwhelming Logan Sargeant at the Williams F1 team scored 4 points for Williams after he crossed the line in 8th place, just behind teammate Alex Albon who scored 6 points for his 7th place finish. Williams most successful weekend of the season thus far, the team managed to bring home 10 points, surpassing Alpine to claim the 8th spot in the constructor’s championship.
Personally, as a Williams fan, this last weekend has certainly been a breathe of relief: We’re finally ahead of Alpine!
While Williams isn't a big name in Singpaore, for the two people that really care about Williams, I have good news! Williams Fan Zone set-up in Suntec City Atrium (Tower 3 & 4) between 16 and 22 September. At this booth, you can find the FW46 show car, Williams merchandise, an F1 simulator and even meet-and-greet opportunities with a driver from the Williams family. Alex Albon was in attendance today at the Williams Fan Zone. Other drivers that were attendance were Lia Block and INDY NXT driver Jamie Chadwick.
If you’re a fan of Alpine, not to worry, there is something for you too, Alpine’s very own pop-up booth located at Velocity in Novena, happening from 6 to 22 September. Esteban Ocon has made an appearance on the 18th at the booth answering a few questions.
Enjoy entertainment from the plethora of international musicians and performance artistes happening throughout the weekend. As for the racing, apart from the main Formula 1 race, the Porche Carrer Cup will also be taking place throughout the weekend. Additionally, the F1 Academy will also be happening throughout the weekend: come support your favourite female drivers!
Unfortunately tickets are fully sold out for the race but if you fancy listening to some formula engines singing through the streets of downtown Singapore, you can still travel to town and soak up the bustling Formula 1 weekend atmosphere.
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