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The 2023 Singapore Airlines Formula One Grand Prix marked another thrilling chapter in the world of motorsport, as it illuminated the vibrant streets of Singapore with the electrifying roar of Formula One engines. This prestigious event not only attracted a record-breaking crowd but also showcased top-tier racing talent, spectacular entertainment, and a track filled with excitement.
Let’s dive into the highlights of this year’s edition, where speed, glamour, and entertainment converged in the heart of the Lion City.
- The 2023 Singapore Airlines Formula One Singapore Grand Prix announced a near sell-out crowd of 264,108 fans during the three-day race weekend, surpassing the initial projection of 250,000 for the 14th edition of the night race.
- This figure, although slightly lower than the record-high 302,000 from the previous year, can be attributed to the redevelopment of The Float @ Marina Bay, which had a Bay grandstand with 27,000 seats, resulting in a shortened racetrack of 4.94km compared to the 5.063km circuit in 2022.
- Since Friday, thousands of fans, both locals and international visitors, flocked to the F1 village and the Padang stage to enjoy performances by artists like Post Malone, Kings of Leon, and those presented by 88rising, including Jackson Wang, Niki, and Rich Brian.
- Sunday’s entertainment lineup featured Robbie Williams and Groove Armada at the Zone 4 Padang stage, as well as Kings of Leon and Madness at the Zone 1 Wharf Stage.
- Demonstrating continued strong demand, Singapore GP also revealed that Super Early Bird tickets for the 2024 race sold out within just 72 hours of going on sale.
- In the race, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz secured pole position, followed by George Russell in a Mercedes, and another Ferrari driver, Charles Leclerc, in third place. Lando Norris of McLaren will start fourth, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes and Kevin Magnussen’s Haas in sixth place.
- Notably, two-time world champion Max Verstappen and 2022 Singapore winner Sergio Perez will begin from 11th and 13th positions, respectively. The Austrian team had previously won every race in the 2023 season and almost every Grand Prix for over a year, but their winning streak could potentially end in Singapore on Sunday.
- Historical statistics reveal that nine out of the 13 previous night races were won from the front row of the grid, with eight of those victories coming from the pole position. Red Bull’s Perez, for instance, started second before clinching victory in 2022.
(Source: Deepanraj Ganesan | The Straits Times)
