Sainz raises health concern as Singapore air readings cross unhealthy threshold

Carlos Sainz said the air in Singapore did not feel healthy to breathe in the build-up to the Grand Prix, linking his concern to pollution from fires in Indonesia.

RacingNews365 reported that Singapore’s National Environment Agency confirmed 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings above 100 across all five regions, generally between 101 and 160. Readings above 100 are classed as unhealthy, above 200 as very unhealthy and above 300 as hazardous. Hourly PM2.5 readings in parts of western and central Singapore reached 150 micrograms per cubic metre, with brief spikes higher. The report said prevailing winds carried smoke from agricultural and wildfire hotspots across Sumatra and Kalimantan towards the region.

The Williams driver initially said he was unsure whether authorities considered outdoor sport acceptable. After being told that the official directive was to limit outdoor activity, he said drivers should follow the authorities’ advice. Sainz also said drivers breathe the fuel burn from the car ahead and described the sport’s healthiness as debatable, while treating the haze as a separate issue. On-track running was not expected to be interrupted.