Max Verstappen can easily tackle the night race in Singapore: he already has the first match point for the world title. The situation is less relaxed for Mick Schumacher.
Formula 1 has left Europe and is not returning this year – the final stretch of the season begins in Singapore. For the first time in three years there is a Grand Prix in the city-state in Southeast Asia, the pandemic caused a forced break. And the night race on Sunday (October 2nd, 2022, live ticker at sportschau.de) could bring a big decision right away.
Earliest triumph possible in 20 years
It is at least possible, and that alone is remarkable. After Singapore, five races are still on the calendar, it would be the earliest triumph in 20 years. In fact, nobody made it that early apart from Michael Schumacher (2002/6 races) and Nigel Mansell (1992/5) – record world champion Lewis Hamilton, dominator in the years from 2014, made his title perfect three races before the end at the earliest.
This is how the World Cup decision works
At first glance, a lot has to fit together. Red Bull driver Verstappen is 116 points ahead of the first, well, pursuer: Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari. If Verstappen leaves at least 138 points behind the competition from Singapore, then no one can mathematically intercept him.
He has to win to do this, Leclerc can only be eighth or ninth at the same time – depending on whether Verstappen also gets the extra point for the fastest race lap. Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull can also only finish fourth. All of this sounds quite unlikely at first – but if Leclerc leaves early, everything can happen very quickly.
Red Bull not so dominant on street circuits
The chances for the competition seem to be better here than on many other circuits. After five wins in a row, Verstappen is of course the favourite, but Singapore at least gives a little hope for a change. If the Red Bull, which has been so strong for months, had difficulties anywhere, it was on the street circuits in Monaco and Baku. In addition, Ferrari and Mercedes also have chances on the unusual track.
More pressure for Mick Schumacher
For the German drivers, the motto is wait and hope. Mick Schumacher still doesn’t know whether he will drive for Haas next year, the racing team is still taking its time. Schumacher is now consistently convincing, he will have to do the same in Singapore – and otherwise just wait and see.
Sebastian Vettel, meanwhile, checks off another track that he visited for the last time as a Formula 1 driver. It’s a very special one. It was here that he clinched his last win to date, in 2019 in a Ferrari. And anyway, Vettel made an impression in Singapore: With a total of five successes, he is a record winner.
Gleaming light trail through the darkness
What is special about Singapore? The Marina Bay Street Circuit Grand Prix is a pioneer. When it debuted in 2008, it was the first night race in the history of Formula 1. The dazzlingly bright track runs through the darkness, futuristic buildings glitter in between, the Singapore Grand Prix is designed as a TV event – in every respect: The late Starts at 8 p.m. local time, allowing for early afternoon broadcast in Europe.
In general, the entire Formula 1 bubble remains almost in its time zone, everything takes place late in the evening and at night. This makes the tropical climate at least a little more bearable for the pilots. However, the temperatures don’t drop far below 30 degrees at night – physically, Singapore is the toughest Grand Prix of the year.