2022 F1 Singapore Grand Prix Preview: Singapore Grand Prix to mark return to F1
The 17th round of the 2022 F1 World Championship takes place this weekend for the first time since 2019 in Singapore and its Marina Bay Circuit.
The Singapore Grand Prix is one of the highlights of the season, with the hot and humid weather presenting a major challenge for both the cars and the drivers.
The race is also famous for taking place at night, when as many as 1,600 lamps are installed to ensure visibility on the winding street circuit. Drivers often wear colored visors to reduce glare.
Like Monaco, Singapore has short straights, tight corners, and bumpy surfaces, so speeds are not very high. However, it is definitely one of the most difficult races to set up the car.
Changeable weather is also a problem in Singapore, with the current forecast calling for inclement weather for both Saturday's qualifying and Sunday's race. Highs during the race are expected to be around 85 degrees, which is milder than usual.
Softer Pirelli tires have been nominated: white hard for C3, yellow medium for C4, and red soft for C5. The track surface is new this year, and teams will need to be aware of the advanced evolution of the track as well as street furniture such as manholes and white lines that alter grip levels. [Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen leads the drivers' championship in 2022 with 335 points. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari is second with 219 points and Sergio Perez of Red Bull is third with 210 points. In the constructors' championship, Red Bull leads with 545 points to Ferrari's 406 and Mercedes-Benz AMG's 371.
Based on the current standings, Verstappen could win the title if he wins in Singapore and receives fastest lap bonus points. The previous winner in Singapore was Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel.