Ferrari’s Carlo Sainz takes Singapore F1 victory to cap an exciting weekend of racing and entertainment
The Singapore Grand Prix once again proved to be a highlight of the Formula 1 season, as the 2023 event provided thrills aplenty on and off the racetrack. Carlos Sainz of Ferrari took home the winner’s trophy. The Spaniard led the race from pole position and efficiently controlled the race pace without relinquishing his lead. Two British drivers, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton took second and third place. Hamilton and teammate George Russell were running at a scorching pace after pitting for fresh tires in during a virtual safety car caused by Esteban Ocon stopping on the track. The Mercedes drivers pursued Norris and were within striking range for several laps. Race leader Sainz cannily allowed former teammate Norris to close within Drag Reduction System (DRS) range. This helped Norris stay ahead of the Mercedes pair and, in turn, helped Sainz clinch the victory. On the last lap of the race, Russell made an error and crashed into the barriers at Turn 10, giving Hamilton third position.
Sainz’ teammate Charles Leclerc was in second place in the opening stages of the race, but got overtaken by the pursuing pack and ended in fourth. Championship leader Max Verstappen of Red Bull had to settle for fifth. He started from 11th on the grid after getting knocked out of Q3 during Saturday qualifying. Indeed, the Singapore Grand Prix is the only race so far this year that saw a non-Red Bull driver take the win.
The Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix attracted more than 264,000 race fans for the 2023 event. The near sell-out number was higher than the 250,000 expected by race organizers Singapore GP, but is slightly lower than the record 302,000 from the 2022 race, partly due to the closure of one of the grandstands, as part of the area’s redevelopment.
As always, the F1 race, exciting as it was, was only one of the attractions of Singapore Grand Prix. The event was capped by a performance by Robbie Williams. The British pop superstar wowed the crowd at the Padang stage after the race. Kings of Leon rocked the Wharf stage just before the F1 race. Global phenomenon Post Malone headlined the Saturday entertainment lineup, performing hits like “Sunflower” also at the Padang. 88rising presented popular acts including Jackson Wang, Niki, and Rich Brian.
Still, the race had the crowd on the edge of their seats (or on their toes) until the checkered flag. The wheel-to-wheel action prompted the on-track commentators to rhetorically admonish the crowd, “Don’t go anywhere. The concert can wait!” The excitement is set to extend to 2024, with Super Early Bird tickets reportedly already sold out after just 72 hours.
