UNDER the shining lights of the Marina Bay Circuit, the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix (GP) took center stage last Oct. 5. It is famous for being one of Formula 1 (F1)’s toughest tracks that puts even the top drivers to the test.

Night Lights and Sprint Excitement 

The Singapore GP has been F1’s original full night race, known for having its tight corners, humid weather, and beautiful skyline. Its challenge and endurance make it the hardest and most popular racetrack. 

It brings together 10 teams and 20 drivers. The race weekend usually runs for three days, starting with practice sessions, qualifying, and ending with the main race on a Sunday. Southeast Asian fans are excited to watch their favorite drivers race back-to-back under the city lights. 

Russell Leads

Mercedes’ driver George Russell maintained and controlled the Singapore GP from start to finish. Starting from the pole, he had a clean launch and stayed in the lead, keeping Red Bull’s four-consecutive-year champion, Max Verstappen, close but never letting him through. He had a strong pace as he managed his tires, making sure he had enough grip to defend his lead.

Behind Russell is McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who had a rough start after hitting teammate Lando Norris. Both cars kept going, but a midfield crash from Norris and Piastri soon brought out the Safety Car. The team changed their strategies, but Mercedes had clean pit stops that helped Russell stay in front.

As the laps went on, Verstappen pushed to catch up, but Russell held his defense. After 62 laps, he finished Marina Bay’s tight corners smartly, keeping Red Bull and McLaren from passing him.

Russell took his first win of the season by crossing the line first as the checkered flag came out. Verstappen took second on the podium while Norris took third and also secured the Constructors' Championship for McLaren, which is an award given to the most successful team and by the combined points scored by the two drivers in each race. 

Filipino Fans and Rising Star

While the race took place in Singapore, the Philippines was very much part of the moment. Some had stream parties in cafés where fans could watch together, some tuned in to live broadcasts hosted by F1 communities on Facebook and Discord.

With the Singapore GP being the closest and most accessible race in Southeast Asia for Filipino viewers. A few fans and influencers even went to Marina Bay to witness the race firsthand.

Motorsport is growing in the country, shown by more fans joining karting, online racing simulators, and watch parties. The aspiring Filipino drivers can find it easier to compete internationally if local racing programs and esports events are established.

One example is Filipino sim racer Russell Reyes, who participated in the Ferrari Esports Series in 2025. His story aspires to show that Filipinos are capable of competing and racing on an international stage, proving that the country’s love of motorsports extends beyond spectators.

Beyond the Checkered Flag

The Singapore GP was a big moment for Russell and showed Mercedes’ fight to stay competitive. For Filipino fans, even if the race was just across the sea, it was another sign that motorsport is alive.

With Singapore set to hold its first Sprint, F1 also announced that Marina Bay will have its first Sprint race in 2026, where fans can enjoy two races in one weekend. The fans are already excited for the back-to-back race.

As Formula 1 expands in Southeast Asia, Filipinos have more reason to dream not just of watching races, but of one day seeing the Philippines as a participant.