In 2008, the world witnessed what is arguably the most dramatic change in the Formula 1 calendar, the inaugural race of the Singapore Grand Prix. The race wasn’t just another leg for the sport but added color and spectacle as it was the world’s very first F1 night race.
A decade after, the thrill of coming to Singapore to watch high-speed racing action under the flood lights and the night sky continues in the Lion City. But what exactly makes the Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix so exciting, you ask?
It could be the drama that goes with each race. Remember the inaugural race back in 2008 when Felipe Massa got “hosed” after a pitstop on Lap 12? He had taken pole after a blazing qualifying session the night before. But no thanks to an error that saw him leave the pits even before refueling was completed and taking the fuel hose with him, he lost time and ended up in 13th place at the end of the race.
Then there was the truly close finish that happened in 2010 between Fernando Alonso’s Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull. The penultimate lap saw Vettel catch up to the rear wing of Alonso and stalk him for the remaining 23 tuns. Despite this, the Spaniard held his ground and the result was a heart-pounding 0.293 second difference between the two as the checkered flag was waved. This was one for the record books.
