Singapore welcomes Max
Posted on October 2, 2025 Tags: Singapore Marina Bay
Marina Bay Has Eluded Him
The wonderland of Singapore is the only circuit on the 2025 calendar that Max Verstappen has not stood on the top step of Formula One’s podium.
So, given his recent form, he’s right up there among the favourites on the tricky Marina Bay Street Circuit.
In eight starts in Singapore since the classy Dutchman made his F1 debut in 2015, his best finish is second. Not only has he never won, he has also never taken pole, although he has made it to the podium on three occasions.
Even in taking 19 victories out of a possible 22 in his stellar 2023 season, Max’s only non-podium came at the Singapore Grand Prix.
And, as we shall see, there are few places on the calendar where pole is more crucial than here.
Managing the heat under the lights in Singapore
The popular City-State is just 140 kilometres North of the Equator, the imaginary line that separates the northern and southern hemispheres.
And after racing on the shores of the Caspian Sea, Formula 1 again tackles a street circuit, under vastly different conditions.
Humidity in Singapore is usually above 70%, while the temperature remains more or less the same in winter and summer, fluctuating between 24 and 31°C.
And that’s seriously steamy, making life especially demanding for the drivers who can lose up to three kilos in weight during the race.
That is aggravated by the twisty nature of the Marina Bay Street Circuit – a track which offers little respite for those behind the wheel.
Starting the race at 8pm local time means everyone involved can effectively stay on European time, at least eliminating the problem of jetlag.
The Singapore Grand Prix was the very first to be run entirely at night since its inception in 2008.
Not Big on Run-off Areas
Marina Bay is one of the twistiest circuits on the calendar, its 4.940 kilometres featuring 19 corners since modifications made in 2023 reduced the number from 23 – achieved by putting a 400 metre-long straight into the section after turn 16.
The track surface has the same characteristics as the neighbouring city streets, with very low roughness, while the many road markings can pose an additional hazard in the rain.
There is not much in the way of run-off areas and the barriers are very close even though, in parts, the track is actually quite wide.
There are four DRS zones, but overtaking is generally a rarity. The increase in the pit lane speed limit from 60 to 80 km/h should have a significant effect on strategy, with a one-stop almost obligatory.
SINGAPORE – F1’s First Night Race
Variables that are hard to predict include neutralisations and the weather which – at the Equator – is highly changeable.
Thunderstorms are far from uncommon, and the rain can wash away the rubber laid down, which resets track conditions, thus influencing tyre performance.
The Singapore Grand Prix was Formula 1’s first night race, a feature later imitated by a few other events, the latest being Las Vegas.
Thermal stress = Performance degradation
Pirelli has made no changes since last year for the dry weather compounds at the Marina Bay circuit, with the C3 as Hard, the C4 as Medium and the C5 as Soft.
Not surprising, thermal stress is the main cause of tyre performance degradation.
Last year’s race was one of the very few at this track not to have required the Safety Car to put in an appearance.
Statistics Corner
Of the 15 Singapore Grand Prix to date, the winner has started from pole showing just how important is qualifying.
Compare that with Monaco where 46.48% of the races have been won from pole.
Sebastian Vettel is the most successful driver in Singapore with five wins, followed by Lewis Hamilton on four.
Seven drivers have shared all the wins here and four of them will be on track this weekend.
Of the teams, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull lead the way on four wins apiece.
When it comes to pole positions, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton top the table on four, with Ferrari the clear leader among the teams with seven.
RACE SCHEDULE
Perth, WA, Times
SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
Marina Bay Street Circuit I Oct 03 – 05
P1 Friday 3rd October
17:30
P2 Friday 3rd October
21.00
P3 Saturday 4th October
17:30
QUALIFYING
Saturday 4th October
21.00
RACE
5th October
20:00
NEXT EVENT
UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX
Circuit of The Americas
18-20 October
EDITED by AC
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