F1 Drivers to Watch
Santosh Jha
| 24-09-2026
· Travel team
The Singapore Grand Prix is one of the most demanding events on the Formula 1 calendar. Racing around the Marina Bay Street Circuit requires precision, concentration, and strong control over tyre management.
The combination of tight corners, barriers close to the racing line, and humid conditions creates a unique challenge for the entire grid.

George Russell – Mercedes

George Russell has established himself as an important part of Mercedes' current Formula 1 lineup. The British driver has demonstrated strong pace during the 2026 season, including a victory in Australia and additional podium finishes.
Russell's ability to maintain concentration while navigating a narrow street circuit will be particularly important. Mercedes will also need to find an effective setup that provides enough grip through the slower corners without compromising performance on the faster sections.

Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes

Kimi Antonelli has continued to make a significant impression during the 2026 campaign. The young Mercedes driver has already collected several victories, including wins in China, Japan, Miami, Monaco, and Spain.
His performance in Singapore will provide another test of his ability to handle a technically demanding circuit. Marina Bay features numerous corners that require precise braking and careful acceleration. Small mistakes can have major consequences because there is limited space between the racing line and the barriers.
The physical challenge is also considerable. The humid environment and long race distance can make Singapore one of the more exhausting events for drivers, requiring Antonelli to maintain his focus from the opening lap through the finish.

Charles Leclerc – Ferrari

Charles Leclerc remains one of Ferrari's leading drivers and has enjoyed strong moments during the 2026 season. The Monegasque driver has secured victories and podium finishes, demonstrating Ferrari's ability to compete near the front of the field.
Leclerc's precision is especially relevant at Marina Bay. Street circuits leave little room for error, while qualifying can have a major influence on the race because overtaking is more complicated than at many permanent circuits. Ferrari's performance will therefore depend on more than straight-line speed. Finding the right balance between mechanical grip, tyre performance, and aerodynamic efficiency could be crucial throughout the weekend.

Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton brings considerable Formula 1 experience to Ferrari's 2026 campaign. The seven-time World Champion has raced extensively on demanding circuits and has already achieved notable results with his new team.
Singapore is a venue where experience can be particularly useful. Drivers must manage traffic, tyre degradation, changing grip levels, and the intense physical demands of the circuit. Hamilton's familiarity with night racing and challenging street circuits provides another interesting element to his weekend.

Lando Norris – McLaren

Lando Norris has remained one of McLaren's central figures during the 2026 season. The British driver has secured victories and podium finishes, including a win in the Netherlands.
Singapore presents a different challenge from a high-speed circuit such as Zandvoort. Marina Bay places greater emphasis on traction, braking, cornering precision, and tyre management. Norris will therefore need to adapt his approach to extract the maximum performance from the McLaren.
The Sprint format also makes the weekend more demanding because drivers have fewer opportunities to make major setup changes before competitive sessions. Norris' ability to quickly find a comfortable balance could prove important.

Oscar Piastri – McLaren

Oscar Piastri completes this group of six drivers to watch. The Australian has continued to produce competitive performances for McLaren during the 2026 season, including podium finishes in Japan and Miami. Piastri's calm driving style can be valuable around a circuit where consistency matters. Marina Bay contains several technical sections that punish mistakes, particularly when drivers push close to the limits.
His position alongside Norris also creates an interesting internal battle at McLaren. Both drivers have demonstrated the ability to compete at the front, making their respective performances an important part of the team's Singapore weekend.
The Singapore Grand Prix offers a very different test from most Formula 1 races, with its tight corners, unforgiving barriers, and demanding conditions. The real excitement lies in seeing which driver can remain composed when the pressure rises and the barriers get closer.