F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Singapore Speed Trap: Who is the fastest of them all?

Singapore's Marina Bay street circuit is a slow, bumpy and twisty track where straight-line speed is not among the venue's most important factors.

While the circuit offers drivers an entire panoply of challenges, Marina Bay's 5.063 km layout that features 23 corners puts the emphasis first and foremost on a car's balance and traction.

The fact that maximum velocity is a secondary consideration is reflected in the less than 9 kph top speed spread between the fastest and slowest contenders in qualifying.

Unsurprisingly, as has often been the case this season, the bulls topped the speed trap readings on Saturday evening, with Max Verstappen charging down Ruffles Boulevard at 287.4 kph, or just 2 kph faster than poleman Charles Leclerc.

The jury is still out as to whether drivers will be spared a deluge from the skies on Sunday, but should it rain, and if DRS is not activated, Red Bull's slightly superior top speed could come in handy for Verstappen, especially as the Dutchman, who could mathematically seal the title at Marina Bay, will be starting only P8.

As for possible race strategies, the quickest way to the checkered flag is a one-stopper, medium-to-hard option according to Pirelli, although a short opening stint on the softs followed by a longer run on the hards is a very close second quickest option.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Norris and Leclerc agree: Sainz 'deserves to fight at the front'

As Carlos Sainz prepares for a new chapter in his Formula 1 career with Williams,…

22 mins ago

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

15 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

17 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

18 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

20 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

21 hours ago