Singapore GP revs back into town – with a sidekick of sweat
From Friday, September 30th through Sunday, the Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix is back in-style, ready to push drivers around the razor‑sharp corners of the Marina Bay Street Circuit. But besides the tight turns, the biggest challenge this year is the city’s equatorial heat and humidity.
Leclerc’s surprise strategy
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s 24‑year‑old superstar, spilled the beans at a closed‑door media event hosted by Richard Mille. “This track’s a brain‑bender – it’s not just the turns, it’s the tons of heat and humidity that make it a mental workout.” He added that he’s been actually sweating it out in the sauna to build resilience.
- Training in high‑temperature saunas even during the holidays.
- “Extreme situations call for extreme measures… getting ready for Singapore.” – Leclerc
Massa agrees on the heat hump
Former F1 star Felipe Massa echoed the sentiment: “Playing on this track is thrilling, but the combo of heat, the circuit layout, and the mental strain makes it the toughest race of the season.” His nod came after a brief pause, punctuated by a chorus of laughing emojis.
Sainz shares the sauna saga
On Instagram, Carlos Sainz dropped a clip of himself pedalling on an indoor bike inside a steamy steam room. The caption read:
“Extreme situations call for extreme measures… getting ready for Singapore.” He added a playful note: “Preparing for the toughest race of the season.”
Bottas brings a chilled twist
Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas stirred up social media with a sauna reel on Tuesday. He set the temperature to 100 °C, then cut to a clip of the Finnish driver—naked on the bench with his head balled up in a hat adorned with reindeer antlers. With a cheeky wink, he said, “Singapore ritual for some, Finnish daily ritual for others.” The clip sparked a mix of shock, excitement, and laughter among followers.
Why the heat matters
Singapore’s equatorial climate can crack a driver’s nerves faster than any pothole. The combination of massive humidity, high temperatures, and a street circuit that demands precision means mental stamina and physical hardiness are just as important as speed.
Bottom line
It’s not just about mastering the Marina Bay twists but also mastering the sweat — literally. Whether in a boutique sauna or an unconventional steam room, the fighters are stepping up their “heat training” to stay ahead.
This article was originally published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.
