F1 News: Drivers Call For Permanent Change To Singapore GP Track

F1 drivers favored the recent Singapore GP track changes, but challenges like seating capacity and future construction may influence its permanency.

Over the weekend of the Singapore Grand Prix, F1 drivers have expressed complete support for the modified circuit layout. While the current changes were made due to local construction, many hope the alterations will remain permanent, emphasising the improved racing experience.

Key Takeaways:

• The Singapore Grand Prix track was adjusted this year due to construction, with a new layout that replaced four tight corners with a longer straight.
• The drivers, including Fernando Alonso and Valtteri Bottas, praised the new design for its faster rhythm and potential for more overtaking opportunities.
• Major challenges to retaining this layout include the bypass of the Bay grandstand and impending construction that will utilize parts of the 2023 track.

In the midst of a construction project in Singapore, an unexpected turn of events for the F1 circuit had several drivers voicing their opinions in favour of the temporary changes. During Friday's FIA drivers' briefing, there was a consensus on the new track's appeal.

Fernando Alonso commented: 

"It was fun. I think it was an improvement from the past. It's a little bit faster, and you get the rhythm into the lap. So, yeah, I like the change."

These changes will be in place for until the end of 2026, where, at the moment, the original track layout will return.

"I prefer this layout," says Valtteri Bottas. "I think it's going to create at least a tiny bit more opportunities, and it just makes the track slightly faster."

However, the revised track brought its own set of challenges. For the current year, the re-routing means the substantial Bay grandstand isn't being used, which decreased the spectator capacity by a significant 25,000 seats (17%). This may well deter track management from keeping this change for longer than they need to.

According to Autosport, Promoter Colin Sin provided insight into the situation, explaining the potential for a compromise in the future: 

"We don't know how long the government is going to take to rebuild," Sin remarked. "It could be more than three years to build, it's probably looking like '28. We don't know yet."

Sin continued:

"When they do it, they will make provisions for a better track going in. We don't have the plans yet, but we could end up with [the entry] sweeping in."

On the topic of the lost seating capacity, he likened it to a financial loss, stating: 

"It's 25,000 people, it's like a hole in the pocket."

The change, if accepted, won't be a decision made by the FIA or F1, with it instead being entirely in the hands of Singapore authorities themselves.