Formula One prepares for a historic weekend at Marina Bay with Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix set to become the sport's first official "heat hazard" race. Temperatures could reach 31°C for the night race, with humidity levels approaching 90% creating extreme conditions for drivers.
Every car will be fitted with mandatory heat-reduction systems including cooling vests, though drivers can choose whether to wear them during the race. Mercedes driver George Russell said: "Not everybody finds the top comfortable … but the concept is good, and when you're racing in 90% humidity and the cockpits are getting on for 60°C, it's a bit of a sauna inside the car, so I think we all welcome it."
Championship mathematics
McLaren need just 13 points from the remaining six races to secure their 10th constructors' championship. Even without maximum points this weekend, Mercedes or Ferrari would need to outscore them by 31 or 35 points respectively to prevent McLaren from clinching their title in Singapore.
The drivers' championship battle shows Oscar Piastri leading on 324 points with teammate Lando Norris second on 299. Max Verstappen sits third with 255 points but must average 10 more points than Piastri in every remaining race to claim a fifth consecutive title.
Verstappen's unique challenge
Marina Bay represents the only current Formula One circuit where Verstappen has never achieved victory, making this weekend historically significant for the defending champion. The Red Bull driver has never taken pole position here either, adding extra pressure to today's qualifying session.
Singapore traditionally favours pole-sitters, with 10 of the 15 official grands prix won by the driver who topped qualifying. Verstappen set the fastest time in final practice, finishing just 0.017 seconds ahead of Piastri with Norris fifth, setting up a crucial qualifying battle that begins at 2pm BST.
Investigation resolved
Lewis Hamilton faced investigation for potentially speeding under red flag conditions during final practice but has been cleared of any grid penalty. Stewards determined that while Hamilton drove marginally faster than other drivers through a chicane, he maintained full control and posed no safety risk.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
