Singapore Grand Prix: From Zero Interest to Hooked
We had absolutely zero interest in Formula 1.
Not casual fans. Not “might watch it if it happens to be on in the background”. Nothing.
And yet, a few years on, here we are watching every practice session, qualifying and race like we know exactly what we’re talking about.
Singapore did that.
Our first trip to the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix turned us from complete outsiders into full-blown converts, and after three visits in recent years, I can safely say it is one of the most immersive and entertaining sporting events we’ve ever been to.
What we thought it would be
Heading into our first Singapore Grand Prix, we assumed it would be exactly what a night race in Singapore should be — warm, bright, electric and with plenty happening away from the track.
We were also fresh off a healthy Drive to Survive binge, so while we wouldn’t have called ourselves avid fans, we were definitely intrigued by the drivers, the teams and all the politics and drama that seem to follow Formula 1 around like a bad smell.
What we didn’t expect was just how big the whole experience would feel once we got there.
It isn’t just a race. It is a genuine event. A big one.
What it actually is
The easiest way to describe the Singapore Grand Prix is that it is a bit of everything all at once.
It is a race weekend, obviously. But it is also a music festival, a corporate event, a family outing and one very large party weekend rolled into one.
A proper all-round event
The on-track action is only one part of it. The musical acts are genuinely top shelf, the city gets right behind it, and there is always something happening somewhere.
Far more family-friendly than people think
There is plenty there for families too. Dodgem cars were a hit for Jess and I, while Harry and I found ourselves having a crack at giant Jenga in the park during a break from the racing.
A hugely mixed crowd
One of the best things about it is the crowd. You get every age, nationality and type of traveller imaginable. I’ve seen octogenarians, toddlers and even the odd newborn at the races. Corporate groups mix in with fanatical F1 diehards and those just there for a big weekend out. Somehow, it all works.
Sights, the city and everything around it
Singapore is one of the easiest and most enjoyable cities to spend time in around a major event.
It is organised, clean and absurdly efficient. The MRT is brilliant, which is lucky because there is a lot to see and do once you’re away from the circuit.
Orchard Road is still a danger to anyone trying to keep their credit card in healthy condition, while Gardens by the Bay remains one of the best things to do in the city full stop. The Singapore Flyer, Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Sentosa all still stack up too, especially if you are travelling with kids or making a proper holiday of it.
And during Grand Prix week, the whole city feels like it knows something big is on. Hotels have a great vibe, bars are busy and there is just a buzz about the place that is hard not to get swept up in.
Culinary bliss applies
I’m not sure I should start on the food because I could very easily not stop.
Singapore remains one of the great eating cities. The hawker markets are unbeatable if you want to keep things affordable and genuinely local, and if you want wow factor there is certainly no shortage of places more than happy to empty your wallet in style.
If you decide every meal needs to be in a nice restaurant, the costs can absolutely stack up. But if you’re happy to embrace the local food scene, you can eat outrageously well without doing too much damage.
One extra tip if you’re at the circuit and based more around Zone 4 — we left between race sessions and walked 7–8 minutes to Boat Quay for a proper local meal and a couple of drinks at a far better price than inside the circuit. Gate 4 is the go for this, and we were back in plenty of time without missing any racing.
Weather-wise… and a few things worth knowing
The heat is real
The heat and humidity can be draining if you try to do too much throughout the day. More walking clearly means more exhaustion, and the circuit involves more walking than people tend to think.
Night race does not mean cool
It is still warm at night, but in my opinion not stifling. Very manageable, just don’t assume sunset suddenly turns Singapore into the Alps.
Hydration matters
Stay hydrated. Water obviously… but the occasional beer doesn’t hurt morale either.
Footwear matters more than people realise
Especially for the ladies, appropriate footwear is important. There is a lot of walking done at the circuit, and the wrong shoes will start to feel like a poor life choice fairly quickly.
Do not ignore the rain
One of our biggest rookie errors the first year was not being properly prepared for rain. When it rains in Singapore, it properly rains. A poncho and umbrella are worth having on hand.
World-class entertainment, and I mean world-class
The Singapore Grand Prix organisers absolutely do not mess around when it comes to entertainment.
Across the three races we’ve attended, we’ve seen acts including Foo Fighters, Green Day, Westlife, Post Malone, Robbie Williams, Kings of Leon, Crowded House, TLC, Lewis Capaldi and Elton John. Last year in particular was ridiculous — Lewis Capaldi pre-race and Elton John post-race. Both unbelievable!
If you want to be close enough to see the glitter on Elton’s shoes, or be singled out for a Robbie Williams serenade, it gets very crowded. If you’re like us though, hanging toward the back or off to the side near the bar is just as enjoyable and comes with the added bonus of space so you can dance like a duck on a hotplate and sing like nobody’s watching.
Off and racing
This part always deserves a mention. It may seem suprising given it’s what you’re in Singapore for, but it was the piece that surprised us most the first time and has kept us coming back.
What started as curiosity about drivers, teams and back stories quickly became a proper appreciation for the racing itself. The atmosphere once the cars are on track is brilliant, and seeing the speed, noise and precision of it all in person is a very different thing to watching it on television.
And yes, even now after three visits, it still gets you. The cars coming down the straight, the crowd reacting to every incident, the anticipation before the start, the post-race release — it all still lands.
Where to sit
Best overall in my opinion: Turn 2 (A2, A3 or A4)
This is the winner for me. You get a view straight down the main straight as the cars hurtle towards you, then the first three turns in quick succession. Usually your best chance to see an overtake or, if things get a little untidy, even a crash.
Also good where budget allows: Pit Grandstand
Great for views of the team garages and all the activity that goes with them. If you want more of the “full Formula 1” feeling, this is a strong option.
Best value play: Empress
At the less expensive end, we really loved Empress. Great atmosphere, a good view, and Marina Bay Sands off in the distance doesn’t hurt either.
Getting around the circuit (pay attention here)
The MRT is your best friend
Escaping long walks by taking the air-conditioned MRT is certainly a winner. The best tip we’ve picked up is that you can actually scan out of the circuit, get on the MRT and re-enter up the other end.
Zone 1 to Zone 4 is a hike
There are long walks between Zone 1, where the grid and pits are, and Zone 4, where the main concerts happen. If you hang around the grid end too long after the race, you’ll miss the first songs of the main post-race concert.
Travel light if you can
If you can get away without a bag, do it. The lines for bag checks can take two or three times longer than those without one.
Getting there is easy
Public transport options to the circuit are excellent, particularly the MRT. Once you know your zone and gate plan, it is all pretty straightforward.
Getting around Singapore more broadly
MRT
The easiest way to move around quickly, especially during Grand Prix weekend.
Grab (think Uber)
Really handy during the day for longer trips or family groups. We used it for outings like Singapore Zoo and River Wonders, and it worked well.
Taxis
From the airport, taxis were by far the easiest. Much cheaper than booking a private transfer and easy to access with a wait time rarely longer than 10 minutes.
Where to stay
We’ve stayed around the Bras Basah area, off Orchard Road and inside the circuit itself at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay.
All have their advantages and I wouldn’t say one area completely outdoes another, but Bras Basah has probably been our favourite overall. Think Carlton Hotel type of location — a really handy base in the thick of the GP action. It’s close to Raffles City Shopping Centre, Chijmes, the Raffles Hotel as well as a nice little 2-for-1 happy hour bar right across the road!!
My Singapore Grand Prix conclusion
This event turned us from Formula 1 naysayers into the sort of people who now watch every practice, qualifying session and race. That probably says enough on its own.
It works for couples, families, corporate groups, hardcore fans, groups of mates and complete newcomers. Seriously, all of them.
If you’re considering the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, just go. You’ll understand why people keep coming back once you’re there.
I know it won’t be our last Singapore Grand Prix appearance, and we hope next time you can join us.
