Singapore’s first night race became a spectacle beyond the circuit

When the winner of the Singapore Grand Prix takes the chequered flag, fireworks are released trackside and on the nearby water at Marina Bay. It is a fitting finale to a race weekend whose spectacle also extends beyond the track, through special helmet designs and live music.

Singapore joined Formula 1’s calendar in 2008 as the sport’s first night race, staged around the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The floodlights underwent extensive testing and FIA approval; the lighting system averages around 3,000 lux, roughly four times brighter than most stadiums.

One striking example came in 2012, when Sebastian Vettel’s Singapore helmet used flashing LEDs to represent constellations linked to his family and loved ones. Vettel won the 2012 race, his second of five Singapore Grand Prix victories; the win helped propel him towards the 2012 world title.

Music adds another layer beyond the circuit. Rihanna, Katy Perry, Shakira, Dua Lipa and Maroon 5 have performed at Singapore race weekends. The 2026 F1 Sprint weekend is set to feature The Killers, Goo Goo Dolls, Zara Larsson, Lana Del Rey, Janet Jackson and Mark Ronson.