Formula 1

When was the first Singapore GP held and who was the winner?

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The Singapore GP is taking place this weekend after a gap of three years, having missed out in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic

The Singapore Grand Prix is one of the most-awaited races in the Formula 1 calendar each year. It takes place at the Marina Bay Street Circuit and was the inaugural night race and first street circuit in Asia for F1 races. The Singapore GP 2022 is scheduled to take place from 30 September to 2 October, as F1 action resumes after a week-long break. Let us look at the history of the Singapore GP and how it all began.

SINGAPORE STREET CIRCUIT, SINGAPORE – SEPTEMBER 22: Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF90, leads Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 W10, Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari SF90, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB15, Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes AMG W10, Alexander Albon, Red Bull RB15, and the rest of the field at the start during the Singapore GP at Singapore Street Circuit on September 22, 2019 in Singapore Street Circuit, Singapore. (Photo by Steven Tee / Motorsport Images)

The first ever Singapore GP had taken place in 1966 and was won by local favourite Lee Han-Seng, who was driving a Lotus-Ford. However, the race was not a part of the F1 World Championship and it was only in 2008 that the Singapore GP was officially included in the Championship.

In 2008, Renault’s Fernando Alonso won the Grand Prix, making him the inaugural champion of the renewed Singapore GP. Thereafter, Sebastian Vettel has become the most successful driver in the history of the Singapore Grand Prix with a record five wins to his name.

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Ferrari and Mercedes are the joint most successful constructors with four wins each. Interestingly, Kevin Magnussen’s lap timing of 1:41.905, while driving a Haas VF-18 in the 2018 Singapore Grand Prix is the official race lap record at this GP.

Where do things stand ahead of Singapore Grand Prix 2022?

Red Bull continue to dominate the drivers’ championship standings after Verstappen secured his fifth consecutive race win. Max Verstappen leads the standings with 335 points followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who occupies second spot with 219 points while Sergio Perez lies in a third spot with 210 points – ahead of George Russell, Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton.

Image Credits – PlanetF1

In the constructors’ championship, Red Bull lead the table and are miles ahead of the chasing pack with 545 points. Ferrari are significantly behind in second place with 406 points. Mercedes are further behind – they occupy third place, having earned 371 points.

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Sarbik Dutta

My heart races on the F1 track and tennis courts, translating the adrenaline of each moment into words. While F1's speed thrills and tennis's finesse captivate me, my passion doesn't stop there. As a devoted follower of cricket, football, and various Olympic sports, I find myself engulfed in the highs and lows of these games. Through my writing, I aim to share the stories behind the stats, the emotions fueling the victories, and the struggles that define the journey of athletes across diverse disciplines. Being a voice that echoes the fervor of these sports is a privilege I cherish every day.

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