New to F1? Why the Singapore Grand Prix is a good gateway for Filipino fans

Since the release of the Netflix documentary series "Drive to Survive" in 2019, the thrilling world of Formula 1 (F1) has become more accessible to casual viewers, many of whom have gradually developed a love for the sport. F1 is no longer followed exclusively by motorsport enthusiasts.

As of 2024, F1 has featured 24 Grand Prix weekends annually, spanning five continents. The races take place in more than 20 countries across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Oceania.

For Filipino fans, the closest and most accessible F1 race to attend is the Singapore Grand Prix, making it a popular option for those looking to experience the sport live. To date, Singapore remains the only country in Southeast Asia to host its own permanent home-fixture F1 Grand Prix.

With direct flights from Manila, Clark, Cebu, and Davao taking less than four hours, Filipinos can easily fly to Singapore without having to adjust to a time difference.

A gateway for Filipino F1 fans

Dubbed the "Home of the F1 Night Race," the Singapore Grand Prix takes place at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The race is held at night to avoid the heat and humidity of the daytime.

With the Philippines experiencing similarly hot and humid weather, Filipino fans can comfortably adapt to the conditions, from daytime activities to nighttime festivities, without having to stray too far from their usual wardrobe back home.

Beneath massive floodlights, with the city skyline as a backdrop and the iconic Marina Bay in view, the Singapore Grand Prix offers a different atmosphere and energy from F1 races typically held during the day.

Beyond its proximity to the country, the Singapore Grand Prix is also an ideal starting point for Filipino fans looking to experience F1 for the first time.

The three-day festivities extend beyond the circuit and across Singapore, with a packed entertainment lineup and interactive fan activities throughout the weekend.

At the recently concluded 2026 Singapore Grand Prix, Filipino band Lola Amour performed at the DBS Foundation Theatre at Esplanade for the first time, while Janet Jackson and Lana Del Rey headlined the Wharf Stage and Padang Stage, respectively.

In previous years, international artists such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, Green Day, and Elton John have also performed at the Singapore Grand Prix.

While Singapore is not the only F1 host country to stage concerts around race weekend, what sets it apart is the variety of musical acts and stages fans can choose from, both within the circuit and across the city. Since the race takes place in the evening, the festivities continue well into the night, with after-parties keeping the energy alive.

An F1 ticket also grants access to pre- and post-race concerts at no additional cost. However, if you have a particular artist in mind, be sure to purchase a ticket for the zone where they will be performing, as access to concert stages varies depending on your ticket type.

READ: How much does it cost to watch the Singapore Grand Prix?

Meanwhile, for music festivals and other performances outside the circuit, you'll need to make reservations directly with the respective venues.

Beyond the track

Over the years, the Singapore Grand Prix has become a compelling reason for travelers to visit the Little Red Dot.

In 2026, the race weekend drew 301,294 attendees, making it the second-highest-attended edition on record, after the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix, which recorded 302,000 attendees.

Beyond the racetrack, Singapore extends the excitement of race weekend through Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS), a 10-day, citywide initiative that complements F1 with a range of race-themed lifestyle experiences spanning dining, entertainment, and retail. In 2026, GPSS ran from October 2 to 11.

For F1 ticket holders, GPSS extends the fun beyond the track. For those without race tickets, it offers an opportunity to join in the excitement through various activities across Singapore.

This year, Orchard Paddock at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza served as one of the main attractions, offering late-night dining, live performances by local acts, and race-themed movie screenings.

In an interview with GMA News Online, Lilian Chee, director of sports at the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), said the race weekend also aims to "draw [in] high-level business events."

"To STB's knowledge, there are over 40 MICE events clustered around the F1 period this year," she added.

Among the events held alongside this year's race weekend was the Forbes Global CEO Conference, which President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. attended.

The Singapore Grand Prix is also a great opportunity for frequent travelers to discover what's new in the city-state and for first-time visitors to explore the vibrant Lion City.

No visit would be complete without snapping a souvenir photo with Singapore's national icon, the Merlion, along the Marina Bay waterfront.

"Beyond the thrill of the race, we hope international visitors take the chance to discover the different facets of Singapore," Chee said.

"Our museums and cultural attractions, such as the National Gallery Singapore and the Chinatown Heritage Centre, offer fascinating insights into Singapore's rich history, multicultural heritage, and vibrant arts scene," she added.

Build your F1 weekend in Singapore

Planning to watch the Singapore Grand Prix in the coming years? Here's when to start booking your race tickets, accommodations, and other activities to make the most of your trip.

Where to buy tickets: Tickets for the next Singapore Grand Prix typically go on sale after the previous edition concludes. To ensure your tickets are legitimate, purchase them only through the official Singapore Grand Prix and Formula 1 ticketing websites.

Early-bird ticket sales for the 2027 Singapore Grand Prix begin on October 19.

Where to stay: For the ultimate trackside experience, consider staying in Marina Bay, City Hall, or the Civic District, which put you close to the action during race weekend.

If you're looking for more affordable alternatives, consider accommodations in Bugis and Kampong Glam, which offer convenient access to the circuit.

Getting around the rest of Singapore is also relatively easy, thanks to the city-state's efficient MRT and LRT rail networks. During a race weekend, the trains extend its operations to accommodate expected large crowds.

Where to eat: Before going full throttle with your trackside adventures, be sure to fuel up for long walks and high-energy cheers.

Start your day the Singaporean way at Orh Gao Peh Gao, where you can tuck into kaya butter toast (S$2.80) paired with a cup of local kopi (S2.70–S$3.90).

For lunch, make a pit stop at Boon Tong Kee, a go-to spot for a comforting plate of chicken rice. Choose between its signature paper-wrapped chicken (S$10) and traditional Hainanese-style poached chicken(S$12), or both!

For an early dinner before heading to the circuit, rest your tires at Bibik Violet, where an all-day menu of Peranakan and local favorites awaits. Savor a bowl of laksa (S$13.50), smoky and fragrant chicken satay(S$14.50), or sample kueh pie tee (S$8.50), a bite-sized Peranakan snack that packs plenty of flavor.

Where to go: With most F1 action taking place from late afternoon into the evening, you'll have plenty of time during the day to explore Singapore and get your adrenaline pumping before the race.

Before watching the drivers tackle the Marina Bay Street Circuit, head to Sentosa for a racing experience of your own at HyperDrive, Asia's first indoor electric go-karting attraction. An eight-minute session costs S$49 and includes a balaclava.

For another adrenaline rush, make your way to SkyPark Sentosa and take on its dual dry slides, Skydrop and The Big Klook Slide. Standing 44 meters tall, the slides are billed as the tallest of their kind in Southeast Asia. At S$28, the experience also includes a GoPro video, so you can relive your exhilarating ride long after you've made it back to the ground.

Not the adventurous type? You can head straight to the circuit as early as 1:30 p.m. to make the most of the F1 fan experience before the race. Explore merchandise stands, try interactive games, catch DJ sets, and enjoy live performances around the event grounds while soaking up the atmosphere ahead of the main event.

What to bring: Before heading to the circuit, don't forget to pack an umbrella or a raincoat, as the race goes on rain or shine. You may also bring a bottle of water containing less than one liter. Don't worry about getting thirsty, as there are plenty of water-refilling stations within the event grounds.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes to stay comfortable in Singapore's humid nighttime weather and prepare for plenty of walking. Lastly, keep your tickets handy, as you'll need to scan them again when exiting the circuit.

Last tip: If you arrive without a bag, you can use the express entry lane to get into the circuit faster!

This story was produced through a familiarization trip sponsored by the Singapore Tourism Board.

—MGP, GMA News