All You Need to Know About the F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2025

Anyone with even a passing passion for Formula 1 likely has their calendar marked for the return of the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, where the world’s best drivers and some of the biggest names in entertainment will converge from October 3 to 5, 2025.

More than a race, this event has become one of Singapore’s defining spectacles, blending high-octane motorsport with culture and unforgettable nightlife. With stars such as Elton John, G-Dragon, CL, Foo Fighters, and Alan Walker taking the stage, the Grand Prix promises as much energy off the track as on it.

At the heart of the action lies the Marina Bay Street Circuit, an iconic track known for its tight corners, dramatic turns, and humid night conditions that test even the most seasoned drivers. The 2025 season brings added anticipation, with McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris currently leading the championship rankings ahead of Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing. Each victory earns 25 points, meaning the Singapore race could very well tip the scales of the championship battle. For fans, ticket prices start at S$148, though most categories have already sold out. Limited availability remains for select days, with Saturday tickets priced at S$248 and bundled Friday–Saturday passes at S$328.

Tickets are sold here.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Yet the Singapore Grand Prix extends far beyond the circuit. The city transforms into a festival of speed and sound, with events and experiences that amplify the atmosphere. The Groovedriver Festival returns with stacked stages at Suntec Plaza and South Beach Tower, spotlighting rising regional acts and global names such as Henry Moodie, Shaun, and an all-female DJ line-up featuring Licaxxx, Molly Lin, and Sarah Farina.

Those seeking a different rhythm can look to Sekai no Owari. This Japanese pop sensation brings their Phoenix Asia Tour to Singapore for one night only on October 4, performing hits like “SOS” from Attack on Titan and “The Peak” from One Piece. Tickets start at S$168.

Art lovers will find their lane at Gillman Barracks, where Mizuma Gallery hosts Art Bit Matrix – Tokusatsu to Videogame. Featuring a dozen Japanese creators, the exhibition delves into the interplay of character design and special effects to offer a contemporary counterpoint to the adrenaline of the track.

Image Credits: mizuma.sg

No Grand Prix season in Singapore would be complete without a visual spectacle, and Marina Bay Sands delivers with its nightly light-up from September 29 to October 5 at 7:00 to 11:59 pm. The skyline glows in vivid red while the Scuderia Ferrari HP Show Car, displayed at Marina Bay Sands Hotel Tower 1, invites fans to get up close with one of the sport’s icons.

Lastly, those who prefer indulgence through dining can enjoy the Resorts World Sentosa’s “Thrills of the Track” running from September 26 to October 5. Signature dishes such as the Pole Position Arroz Chaufa and the Circuit de Chocolat give race week a gourmet spin.

Image Credits: rwsentosa.com

From the racing drama to the cultural offerings, the F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2025 is shaping up as one of the city’s most dynamic celebrations of sport and entertainment.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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10 Free Things to Do in SG This August

From waterfront sails to immersive exhibitions, the city’s free August offerings prove that access to art, history, and wellness need not come with a price tag.

SAIL INTO THE SUNSET
DBS Sailing at the Bay lets you step aboard a sailboat at Marina Bay for a 30-minute ride across stunning city views. This scenic journey also supports sailing as an inclusive and accessible sport. Slots fill quickly, so early booking thru the website is advised.

LIGHT & WATER MAGIC AT MARINA BAY
Each evening, Marina Bay transforms into a visual symphony. Spectra, a 15-minute light and water show at the Event Plaza, combines lasers, fountains and music in one striking performance. It remains a favorite way to enjoy the city skyline after dark.

F1 BTS
Titled SGP: Dare to Be Different, this exhibition explores the transformation of Singapore’s streets into a Grand Prix circuit. Engineering marvels, lighting systems and urban design are showcased through interactive and behind-the-scenes displays. The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday with free admission.

SUNSET WATCH PARTIES
Palawan Beach hosts sunset sessions every Friday and Saturday until August 30. Visitors can enjoy beachside views, live music, and a relaxed atmosphere. As a friendly reminder: you’re encouraged to bring your own camping chairs or picnic mats for a comfortable viewing experience. It is a stress-free evening activity that captures the luxury of slowing down.

WEEKEND TOURS AT FORT SILOSO
Step into history with guided tours at Fort Siloso every Saturday and Sunday. Discover Singapore’s coastal defenses, World War II narratives and sweeping views from the skywalk. Arrive early as tours are on a first-come, first-served basis.

MEGA SPACE MOLLY
This first-of-its-kind exhibition celebrates the cult toy icon through rare archival pieces and imaginative displays. A short film by Singaporean artist Oh Jia Hao immerses visitors in SPACE MOLLY’s surreal lunar world. Admission to Mega Space Molly: Hello, Moon! is free at ION Art Gallery until August 24.

PERANAKAN LIGHTSHOW AT LOOKOUT LOOP
Traditional culture meets modern illumination at this vibrant light projection show. Peranakan motifs are reimagined through digital artistry, lighting up the heritage-themed Peranakan House until August 31. It is an ideal stop for design enthusiasts and photographers.

NEW BALANCE RUN HUB
New Balance’s Run Your Way Hub takes place from August 7 to 17, 2025, at the Visual Arts Centre in Dhoby Ghaut. This fitness pop-up invites runners to enjoy free runs, shoe trials, and expert talks led by health professionals and elite athletes. Participants can test new gear and train alongside five local run clubs. Registration is required.

LIGHT INSTALLATIONS IN THE CBD
From August 1 to September 6, light projections and digital art displays will illuminate the Bras Basah and Bugis area. These installations span from the National Museum to Stamford Walkway and serve as a prelude to the Singapore Night Festival. Night strolls just became a lot more interesting.

HISTORY COMES ALIVE AT NATIONAL MUSEUM
Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time opens August 8 with an immersive, family-friendly experience covering 700 years of maritime history. The exhibit includes interactive storytelling and multi-sensory elements. Admission is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Should Singapore stop hosting the F1 Grand Prix amid COVID-19?

F1 Grand Prix Singapore

About 13 years have passed since Singapore first hosted the Formula One (F1) Grand Prix in 2008.

Do you know that it took about S$150 million for Singapore to host the first night race? The government paid about 60% of the total amount in hopes that the three-day event would bring in S$100 million in tourism receipts.

Though the inaugural race has welcomed high-profile attendees like the former heads of Sony, Lenovo, and Royal Bank of Scotland, the question remains – should Singapore stop hosting the F1 Grand Prix amid COVID-19?

Not as financially glamorous

According to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the race attracted 450,000 international visitors and was potentially exposed to 780 million worldwide by 2017.

However, the overall financial figures aren’t that promising. Averaging out the S$1.4 billion in incremental tourism receipts over the past 11 races, Singapore has only managed to secure S$130 million a year. In other words, the spending outweighs the “income”.

Furthermore, interest in the sport has also seen a downward trend. To give you an idea, it had dropped from 600 million global viewers in 2008 to 350 million in 2017. The latest numbers stood at 433 million in 2020.

Our sunny island’s not alone
F1 Grand Prix Melbourne

Image Credits: heraldsun.com.au

Other than Singapore, other host cities aren’t benefiting financially, too, from the F1 Grand Prix. India and South Korea opted out after hosting for three and four years respectively in the 2010s. Our neighbour, Malaysia, the second Asian nation to host the race in 1999, stopped in 2017. 

Honestly, who wouldn’t, considering the high costs to organise the event but declining attendees?

Even Melbourne, which has hosted the race for 14 years, faced a loss of A$41.3 million (S$42.46 million) in 2007. But still, the visibility and tourist arrivals have kept the coastal capital going for over a decade.

Hosting amid COVID-19

Bringing our focus back to Singapore, what are your thoughts on Singapore hosting the F1 Grand Prix amid the pandemic? Based on the circuit schedule, the next race in Singapore will be on 3 October this year.

If you’ve been following the news, you would have known that significant events have been cancelled recently. This includes the Singapore open badminton tournament, the annual Shangri-la Dialogue, and the World Economic Forum. Would the F1 Grand Prix follow suit?

Maybe it’s a good time for the authorities to weigh the benefits of any tourism receipts compared to the potential risk of another wave of COVID-19 infections if more visitors are allowed into our tiny red dot because of the night race.

A luxury sports entertainment event during uncertain times? Is it really a good idea?

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