The Singapore Grand Prix weekend is notorious for its hot weather and tricky conditions. This weekend, the challenge is ramped up further this weekend, with a heat hazard being declared. Rain is also forecast for many portions of the weekend, a scene not regularly seen in Singapore.
Higher downforce track expected to benefit Aston Martin
Lance Stroll acknowledged that the Singapore Grand Prix should see stronger performance from Aston Martin. The Marina Bay Circuit is a high downforce circuit—this type of track proving to be strong for the team this year. Stroll also spoke on the struggle found in lower downforce circuits. At tracks like Monza or Baku, he noted how far back they finished, and how uncompetitive the team was.
“Yeah, I mean, I think on paper it should be better for us. Here in Singapore, higher downforce track. I think the tracks like Monza, Baku, where we run on low downforce, we were maybe the last team or one of the last teams. Very uncompetitive. So, yeah, I think here with the higher downforce, hopefully the car comes alive a little bit.”
Heat hazard declared for Singapore GP
With temperatures in Singapore expected to exceed 31° during the race, a heat hazard was declared. This means that all teams are required to add cooling equipment to their cars, while drivers have the option for adding cooling gear—like a cooling vest.
Stroll was asked whether he would be wearing the vest. He stated: “I’m going to try and wear it”. He quickly continued on to add: “If it’s comfortable”. The Canadian confirmed he “hasn’t tried it yet”, adding that he is yet to even practice with the vest. He added his hopes that the vest works, and will lower his temperature: “No. Fingers crossed it works and I can get a couple of degrees.”.
Singapore’s tough conditions
The Canadian noted that with the difficult conditions faced in Singapore, drivers are made to prepare however they can. He added that he has been sitting in saunas for the past week in order to adapt to the heat and humidity. Despite this, he acknowledged that no matter how you prepare, the race remains tough both physically and mentally. There is no room for error with the tight nature of the track.
With the temperature expected to be high, Stroll admitted while he will test the vest, he is unsure of its effectiveness. He noted that while the vest may work for a few laps, he may be left to suffer for the remaining laps. This is the “glamorous life of Formula 1” as he explained, with this being a part that many don’t see.
“Yeah, I think Singapore, it’s one of those races where you can prepare for it in every way possible. With heat training, sitting in saunas. I sat in a sauna all week. Just doing what you can. But from my experience, no matter what you do, it’s always a brutal race physically, mentally. With the challenges of the track, the walls, no room for error.
“The cockpit, the heat in the car, just being insanely high temperatures. I’m going to try the vest, see if it works. Maybe it only works for five laps and then you have no more cooling. And then it’s just 50 laps of suffering. It’s just Singapore, that’s the weekend. It’s the glamorous life of Formula 1 that no one sees behind the scenes.”
Despite the threat of rain, Stroll remains confident and excited, stating rain creates opportunity. He said “Yeah, we’ll see what happens. If there’s a bit of rain, an opportunity. It’s always exciting.”
Dealing with heat is a part of the job
Like many athletes, Stroll and the other drivers face unique challenges in Formula 1, that are simply a part of the job. One of these challenges is the level of heat. Stroll acknowledged that it is important to train for these conditions, but in the end, they are a part of the sport.
“Yeah, for sure. Like any sport, it has its challenges. We come to Singapore and I think physically, mentally, it’s one of the most demanding races of the year. It’s part of the job. You have to train well and prepare as well as you can and get on with it.”
