Author: Barkha Roy
In a significant change to the Marina Bay Street Circuit for this year’s Singapore Grand Prix, a sequence of four almost 90-degree corners has been removed due to construction work. This change gave rise to a new, longer straight section that runs from the gentle left-hand bend at Turn 15 to the tight right-hand bend at what used to be known as Turn 20, but is now designated as Turn 16.
This revamped layout not only promises faster lap times, but also reduces pressure on the brakes and offers the potential to preserve tire life during a lap. According to Tom McCullough, Aston Martin’s performance director, the changes are expected to be easier on the tires as they minimise the degradation caused by the braking and traction zones, especially in the last part of the lap.
Williams’ head of vehicle performance, Dave Robson, believes that these track revisions could benefit his car, which normally performs well on high-speed tracks. The removal of the four corners in the final sector is expected to change the nature of the circuit, especially in terms of braking and tire degradation.
Alpine driver Esteban Ocon is optimistic about the changes, suggesting that the new Turn 16 could provide an overtaking opportunity, which was previously rare at the circuit.
Despite these changes, the Singapore Grand Prix remains one of the most physically demanding events on the Formula 1 calendar. The high heat and humidity, combined with the challenging layout of the track, make it a grueling race for the drivers. Nico Rosberg, who won the 2016 Singapore Grand Prix, described the intensity of the race, noting the extreme conditions and the impact this has on the drivers’ physical well-being.
Red Bull has been dominant in the 2023 season, with Max Verstappen securing an unprecedented run of 10 consecutive wins. However, Singapore traditionally doesn’t favour the team, and Verstappen has struggled to win in the past due to operational errors and strong competition from other teams.
The unique characteristics of the Marina Bay Street Circuit, which emphasize mechanical grip and traction rather than pure speed, could provide an opportunity for Mercedes, Ferrari and Aston Martin to challenge Red Bull’s dominance. As overtaking is notoriously difficult at this circuit, a good qualifying performance from these teams could put Red Bull on the defensive.