You’ll want your camera with you for this one. Singapore is known for many things, from its vibrant art scene and beautiful gardens to its breathtaking high-rise buildings. It’s an eclectic mix of photographable spaces, and there’s no better time to visit than when Formula 1 is in town.

Motorsport fans generate a unique, festival-like atmosphere wherever they go, packing out the streets with colourful F1-themed merch and fashion. In Singapore, you can feel the anticipation build in the evenings, when the sun is setting, and restaurants, bars, and fan zones are teeming with excited fans, all counting down to the start of Qualifying or the race.

During the day, it’s quite the opposite, with many fans sleeping through the sunshine after watching the sessions through the night. That’s when Singapore is at its most peaceful, providing those who are up and about with a chance to explore one of its famous art galleries or many botanical gardens.

We caught up with Lando, Oscar, and Team Principal Andrea Stella, which they were at the factory last week, to get their thoughts on the Singapore Grand Prix. We’ve also listed out the reasons why we love coming here, the circuit’s main challenges, and we’ve got another quiz question for you to tackle. 

“I’m looking forward to racing under the lights again in Singapore. It was good to be back in Woking after Baku, resetting with the team and spending time in the sim.

“I’ve got good memories here - a podium and a win last year - so I’m ready to go for it again.”

“I’m very keen to get back in the cockpit. On paper, and with the temperatures involved in Singapore, our car has been proven to be comfortable in the past, and with that in mind, I’m looking forward to a really positive weekend. 

“Singapore is the closest race to Australia in terms of distance, so we always see a great Australian contingent there cheering on their drivers at one of the best night races of the season. It’s great having that additional support.”

“After a week away from the track, we now head to Singapore. The Marina Bay Street Circuit brings unique challenges, especially from a human performance element due to the high humidity and time shift for both team and drivers.  

“Returning to the location of an impressive win for Lando last year, it’s also a higher-downforce street circuit than Baku, with higher tyre degradation in 2024, which should better suit the characteristics of the MCL39. The entire team both at track and back in Woking are motivated to continue adding important points into both Championships.”

Why we love the Singapore Grand Prix

Racing under the lights, on the streets of downtown Singapore, surrounded by skyscrapers, this race rivals Monaco and Las Vegas for glitz and glamour. Drivers take in the famous Anderson Bridge and the Singapore Flyer observation wheel as they make their way around this stunning circuit.

It’s produced some great racing in the past, as well. Much like last weekend’s venue in Azerbaijan, the Marina Bay Street Circuit is a modern-day city track – wide enough to overtake on, while still punishing mistakes. There are a few opportunities to make a move, but none as good as Turn 7, which follows on from a DRS straight. There’s another DRS zone down at Turns 14 through 16, presenting an additional chance. 

If you’re lucky enough to be there in person, then we’d suggest that Turn 1 offers the best views, allowing you to take in the start of the race and the first three corners, another area that can offer a good amount of action.

What are the challenges?

Singapore is among the toughest challenges on the calendar for the team and drivers due to its unique schedule, demanding circuit, and severe weather conditions.

The race takes place at night in Singapore, meaning that the team will effectively remain on European time, despite being around 7,000 miles away from our base in Woking. That means going to sleep in the early hours of the morning, around 05:00 local time, and waking up just after lunchtime, around 13:00. They’ll be served breakfast shortly after, with lunch taking place at 20:00 and dinner around 03:00.

While this unique schedule might appear to require less adjustment to the team’s schedule, it’s a real challenge to switch time zones but stick to a European schedule. It requires the team to fight their bodies’ natural urges to adjust to their new surroundings, working in the dark and trying to sleep in daylight.

Additionally, the Marina Bay Street Circuit is one of the most physically challenging on the calendar. Inside the car, temperatures can hit 60 degrees Celsius with up to 80% humidity, causing drivers to lose as much as 3kg in body weight during a race. Drivers train specifically for the Singapore Grand Prix months in advance, working out in with the temperature turned right up to prepare their bodies for the boiling heat.

The season so far

Our last race in Azerbaijan was arguably our toughest of the season so far, with Lando finishing seventh, and Oscar unfortunately retiring. It’s just the second time this year, from 17 races, that a McLaren driver hasn’t been on the podium, showcasing just how consistent the team’s performances have been.  

Sitting first with 623 points, 333 ahead of second place, with seven rounds remaining, we’re looking to increase our advantage at the top of the standings as we edge closer to sealing a historic 10th Constructors’ Championship.

The fit

Our night race range caters for both ends of the spectrum, whether you want to stand out from the crowd or blend in at this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.  

For those fond of a bright and bold fit, we’d recommend the evening primose graphic T-Shirt, paired with some baggy, light blue denim jeans, complete with one of our more colourful, New Era caps, like Lando’s rope 9Fifty Stretch Snap. 

For the more understated of you, you’ll want to grab your favourite black jeans. We’d suggest the night race graphic T-shirt and our favourite nylon bomber jacket, zipped all the way up, along with New Era’s all black cord 9fifty Pc cap.