Singapore Grand Prix weekend guide
Whether you’re a long-time F1 fan or you’re experiencing it for the first time – all we want to do is enjoy the race. We’re also not blaming you if you’re only going for the F1 2023 Singapore performances to catch A-listers Jackson Wang and Post Malone.
But after many years of going for past F1 seasons, we have collected some tips and tricks that might help you navigate Singapore Grand Prix weekend like a pro. Read on to find out more.
Table of Contents
- Singapore Grand Prix weekend guide
- What you need to know about the Singapore Grand Prix
- What am I not allowed to bring to the Singapore Grand Prix?
- 1. Bring a poncho as umbrellas can’t be used unless there’s heavy rain
- 2. Take the train instead of walking in between zones
- 3. Walk on the actual race tracks at the end of each day
- 4. Catch the fireworks near the Singapore Flyer, even if you don’t have tickets
- 5. Get in the F1 groove with their very own Singapore GP playlist
- 6. Go early to snag entry to the “Fan Zone” at the Padang stage
- 7. Save time by “trying on” apparel while waiting in line for merch
- 8. Avoid taxi price surges by using the extended train services
- 9. Complete your experience with F1-themed dining, deals & parties
- 10. Bring a multi-port USB charger
- 11. Elevate your viewing experience with a portable seat cushion
- Off to the races at the Singapore Grand Prix
What you need to know about the Singapore Grand Prix
Most of us are familiar by now with the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, which happens every September. This year’s race will take place from 20th-22nd September 2024 at night. If you’re not up to date with the latest rankings, the standings are as follows:
Current race standings sorted by drivers
| Position | Driver | Team | Points |
| 1 | Max Versteppen | Red Bull Racing Honda | 303 |
| 2 | Lando Norris | McLaren Mercedes | 241 |
| 3 | Charles LeClerc | Ferrari | 217 |
| 4 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren Mercedes | 197 |
| 5 | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | 184 |
| 6 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 164 |
| 7 | Sergio Perez | Red Bull Racing Honda | 143 |
| 8 | George Russel | Mercedes | 128 |
| 9 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 50 |
| 10 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 24 |
What am I not allowed to bring to the Singapore Grand Prix?
Some items like baby strollers, smart tablets, selfie sticks, and umbrellas are a no-no, so as to not hinder the view of others. Any food or drinks from outside the circuit park are also banned. It’s okay to zoom in to capture the action with a professional camera, but just ensure that your lens is not longer than 30cm.
For the full list of items not allowed, check out Singapore Grand Prix advisory.
Which roads are closed during the Singapore Grand Prix?
Road closures will take place from 18th-24th September 2024. Several road corridors will be opened however, on these dates:
| Dates | Route | Road Corridor |
| 18th-19th Sep, 5.30am-10am |
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| 20th Sep, 5.30am-10am |
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| 23rd Sep, 5.30am-10am |
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Cars can still access Marina Centre via Rochor Road to Temasek Boulevard or through a single lane along Raffles Boulevard via Nicoll Highway or Temasek Boulevard on these dates and timings:
- 18th-20th & 23rd Sep: 12am-6am, 10am-5pm, 10pm-12am
- 21st-22nd Sep: 12am-1pm
- 24th Sep: 12am-5.30am
1. Bring a poncho as umbrellas can’t be used unless there’s heavy rain
Image credit: Andrew Locking via Flickr
Recently, we’ve been having spurts of heavy rain – and this could hold true for the F1 weekend too, if weather reports are anything to go by. If you’re going to be spending the weekend on the grandstands, know that umbrellas are not permitted for use except in the event of heavy downpour.
This is so as not to obstruct the views of other fans – so remember to pack your ponchos so you’re not left drenched in the rain. Plus, it will also save you time and money from having to go buy them from the merchandise booths.
2. Take the train instead of walking in between zones
Image credit: Singapore Grand Prix
The Marina Bay Street Circuit is 5.063km long, that’s a lot of distance to cover on foot. Luckily, ticket holders are able to re-enter the circuit from any point of entry, as long as your tickets have access to the various zones.
Image credit: Singapore Grand Prix
The circuit is divided into 4 zones which have separate accessibility as indicated by your tickets, some have access to only 2 zones while others have access to all 4. But it’s actually possible to take the train from Zone 1, all the way to Zone 4, with the directions below.
Directions: Exit from gate 1A/1B and board the MRT at Nicoll Highway station. Alight at Dhoby Ghaut Station and transfer to the North-South line and alight at City Hall station. Tada – you’ll now be able to re-enter the circuit through gates 3A and 3B.
Alternatively, you can also alight at Esplanade station (Exit F) and walk towards City Hall via City Link Mall. While you’re at it, you may as well read our guide on MRT hacks so you can reach home faster and toh.
P.S. If you get thirsty from all that walking, there are many free water refill stations throughout the circuit – just remember to bring a reusable water bottle.
3. Walk on the actual race tracks at the end of each day
Image credit: Singapore Grand Prix
After the last session of each day, fans are allowed to walk on the track. You can use this as a way to get to the Padang stage – more importantly, it’s also a chance to snap the perfect photo for the ‘Gram. Feel closer to your racing passion by walking on the very track where your favourite drivers were zooming around moments earlier.
But don’t even think about sneaking a pit lane selfie – unfortunately, the pit lane is only accessible to F1 drivers and mechanics.
4. Catch the fireworks near the Singapore Flyer, even if you don’t have tickets
With F1 comes big fireworks which are activated when the winner crosses the line. Of course, the best views will be from the circuit itself – but even if you don’t have a ticket, you don’t have to feel FOMO.
Image credit: Singapore Grand Prix
According to previous years, these have proven to be the best spots to catch an unobstructed view of the fireworks if you don’t have a ticket:
- Helix Bridge
- Marina Square
- Gardens by The Bay
5. Get in the F1 groove with their very own Singapore GP playlist
By the time you’re reading this, tickets to F1 are almost impossible to get, but that doesn’t mean you can’t join in the fun from home. Tune in to a curated Singapore GP playlist on Spotify, which features this year’s Singapore Grand Prix entertainment lineup. You’ll get your head banging with music from the likes of Kylie Minogue and OneRepublic in no time.
6. Go early to snag entry to the “Fan Zone” at the Padang stage
Image credit: Singapore Grand Prix
Time is of the essence when getting to the Padang stage, especially when you’re rushing to get front row spots for Kylie Minogue or One Republic. Getting there earlier means a higher chance to get into the Fan Zone where you can view your favourite artists up close. Do note that should you leave, you may not get to re-enter again if the area has hit full capacity.
If you want to know who is performing and when, we’ve done the legwork and broken it all down for you:
| Performers | Zone | Location | Date & time |
| The Jungle Giants | 4 | Downtown | Fri 20th Sep 6.30pm-9.30pm |
| Thirty Seconds To Mars | 1 | Wharf Stage | Fri 20th Sep 7.45pm-8.45pm |
| HONNIE | 4 | Padang Stage | Fri 20th Sep 7.45pm-8.45pm |
| OneRepublic | 4 | Padang Stage | Fri 20th Sep 10.15pm-11.45pm |
| Kool & The Gang | 1 | Wharf Stage | Sat 21st Sep 4.30-5.30pm |
| BABYMONSTER | 4 | Padang Stage | Sat 21st Sep 4.45pm-5.25pm |
| Tonnes And I | 4 | Downtown | Sat 21st Sep 6.30pm-7.15pm |
| Disclosure (DJ) | 4 | Padang Stage | Sat 21st Sep 7.30pm-8.45pm |
| The Corrs | 1 | Wharf Stage | Sat 21st Sep 7.30pm-8.50pm |
| James Murphy DJ Set | 4 | Downtown | Sat 21st Sep 9.15pm-10pm |
| Kylie Minogue | 4 | Padang Stage | Sat 21st Sep 10.25pm-11.30pm |
| Tonnes And I | 1 | Wharf Stage | Sun 22nd Sep 4.15pm-5pm |
| James Murphy DJ Set | 1 | Sunset Stage | Sun 22nd Sep 5.30pm-6.15pm |
| Dean Lewis | 4 | Downtown | Sun 22nd Sep 5.30pm-6.15pm |
| Kylie Minogue | 1 | Wharf Stage | Sun 22nd Sep 6pm-7.15pm |
| Thirty Seconds To Mars | 4 | Padang Stage | Sun 22nd Sep 6.15pm-7.15pm |
| Kelis | 4 | Downtown | Sun 22nd Sep 7.20pm-10pm |
| Lenny Kravitz | 4 | Padang Stage | Sun 22nd Sep 10.25pm-11.55pm |
While not a “performance” per-se, you can catch the F1 drivers live in the flesh at the Fan Forum. Just note that this applies for patrons with zone 1 tickets for the next day only.
Fan Forum: F1 Drivers
Zone and location: Zone 1, Wharf Stage
Date: 20th Sep 2024 | 21st Sep 2024
Time: Fri 3.50pm-4.20pm | Sat 3.40pm-4.10pm
7. Save time by “trying on” apparel while waiting in line for merch
Image credit: Singapore Grand Prix
If you’re one to support the teams, getting some merch is a no-brainer. The Singapore GP app (App Store | Google Play) makes use of augmented reality to let you try on some merch while waiting in line. Within the app, you’ll also find a detailed map of the circuit to help you make your way around.
Image credit: Lego
Pay Wisma Atria a visit to see a life-sized replica of the Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E model race car, similar to the life-sized Ferrari at VivoCity Toys”R”Us. There are also a slew of other fun activities at stations like LEGO Race Training and LEGO Build for Speed for the kids to take part in.
Image credit: @formula1officialteammerch via Instagram
Instead of waiting in line on the day of the race, there are pop-up stores in town and the CBD, running from during the month of September, from 10am-10pm. You’ll find merch from $140 for team shirts, as well as hats and jackets emblazoned with iconic sponsors at these places:
- Wisma Atria
- Raffles City
- Marina Bay Sands
- Mandarin Gallery
- Suntec City
- Clarke Quay
- Funan
8. Avoid taxi price surges by using the extended train services
Image credit: Wikipedia
We’ve all been there, trying to get a taxi home after a late night event only to be met with a crazy surcharge. You’re not spared from it during the F1 weekend, especially when the races are scheduled to end at 10pm with performances after. Here’s the good news – train services from City Hall have been extended throughout the weekend.
On 20th and 21st September, the MRT will be operating till 12.30am. On 16th September, it’ll operate until 12.45am.
9. Complete your experience with F1-themed dining, deals & parties
Those who didn’t manage to snag tickets need not worry about missing out on the F1 action. They can hit up a select few establishments in the vicinity to catch a glimpse of the races.
Image credit: CÉ LA VI
Restaurants with great views of the street circuit include CÉ LA VI, where you can clink glasses atop Marina Bay Sands while you observe the racers zip by. LAVO is another eatery in the area, and it even offers an F1-themed pastry buffet on 16th September. There are also plenty of hotels with sweeping F1 views.
Image credit: @alanwalkermusic via Instagram
End off the F1 weekend with a bang at some of the after-parties going around. Again, we’ve bookmarked MBS as world-renowned DJs Afrojack and Axwell are going to dish out bangers at Marquee on 20th and 21st September respectively.
10. Bring a multi-port USB charger
The event itself is so much more than just the big 2-hour race. Add on all the practice sessions, qualifying rounds, support races, and performances, and you’re easily looking at a 12-hour day out. Keep your phones and other electronics alive by bringing along a multi-port USB charger, so you won’t have to miss out on recording the action.
Plus, when your portable fan dies out, you can easily recharge it and continue to stay cool, even at night when it’s still humid.
11. Elevate your viewing experience with a portable seat cushion
Image credit: Singapore F1
Most of us would feel restless after a long time sitting at the movie theatres, no matter how comfy the chairs are. Now imagine sitting for much longer periods on the grandstand’s plastic seats. Make your viewing experience more bearable with a portable seat cushion to plonk atop the hard seats.
Make it even more comfy by getting a mesh seat cushion. The mesh material would allow heat to dissipate faster and better, making your bum feel a tad less stuffy, and more cool instead.
Off to the races at the Singapore Grand Prix
With the return of F1 in Singapore, we’re all excited to get a whiff of those race fumes once again. However, there are always ways to elevate your experience to be more enjoyable and comfortable. With these tips in mind, you’ll never find yourself wandering around lost, or caught in the rain without cover.
Remember to support your favourite teams by cheering them on. In F1 commentator David Croft’s words, “it’s lights out and away we go.”
Check out these racing related articles:
- SG’s largest Go-Kart circuit at Kranji
- Indoor Go-Karting at HyperDrive
- Go-karting spots in Singapore
- Freeway E-Kart in KL
Cover image adapted from: Singapore Grand Prix, Wikipedia
Originally published on 30th September 2022. Last updated by Syahiran Sean on 16th September 2024.