Getting a family to agree to an activity is challenging, let alone a holiday location, and that’s why one that ticks all the boxes is rare.
But, if you’re looking for the ultimate Singapore family holiday, one that has fun, adventure, exploration and relaxation, look no further than the 2023 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, set to be held from September 15-17.
As one of the world’s most spectacular events, Singapore delivers like no other, with the world’s finest drivers racing under lights at up to 320km/h.
It’s enough to amaze anyone, with the illuminated Marina Bay Street Circuit set against a backdrop of Singapore’s heritage buildings, modern architecture and a stunning, futuristic skyline.
And with the track illuminated by more than 1600 light projectors, the scene is set for F1’s stars to thread the barriers, racers like Red Bull’s reigning F1 World Champion Max Verstappen, and Sergio Pérez, Ferrari’s hungry talents Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, and Mercedes’ seven-time F1 World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, and his teammate George Russell.
There will also be two Australians on the grid for the first time since 2013, with shock returnee Daniel Ricciardo racing for AlphaTauri, and rookie Oscar Piastri at McLaren. But, Singapore – the sport’s most physically demanding race – is set to challenge them both.
“Over the race distance, a driver can lose up to three kilos in weight and that can lead to a significant drop in performance,” says Andrea Ferrari, Leclerc’s trainer, with cockpit temperatures reaching 60 degrees Celsius at racing speeds.
“To overcome this, the athlete must remain hydrated constantly throughout the race. To help them get through the weekend in the best possible shape, one aims to get to Singapore as early as possible to adapt to the climate and to carry out training sessions in these extreme conditions, having started that programme in the previous weeks, with the aid of saunas to simulate the heat and humidity.”
Getting away to Singapore for the Grand Prix is also much easier than you think, with just a short flight (less than eight hours from most Australian capital cities), and only a few days of annual leave needed either side of a weekend.
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Things to do at the Singapore GP Circuit Park with kids
For the family, there’s so much to see and do at the Singapore GP Circuit Park. On track, the action never stops, with the pinnacle of motorsport again supported by Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and TSS The Super Series.
Off-track, kids both young and old can get their hearts racing with a whole host of amazing and interactive activities, such as the Pit Stop Challenge, where you can test yourself by changing an F1 tyre like the mechanics do during the race.
You can even get behind the wheel of a real race simulator for some laps of the Marina Bay Street Circuit for a taste of what the drivers experience.
But, the fun has only just begun once the chequered flag falls, with the hottest music acts on-stage – and 2023’s headliners including Robbie Williams, Post Malone, Kings of Leon, 88rising, Culture Club, Madness, and Groove Armada. It doesn’t end there, with 80 hours of entertainment throughout the Circuit Park, comprising 139 artists across 13 performance and DJ stages.
Stewart’s tips of what to do in Singapore with kids
One of the best things about a trip to the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix is the huge flexibility it gives you to enjoy the delights of the famous city-state during the day, before heading to the track at night for more racing action.
For families, one of the first places you should explore is Sentosa Island – with almost unlimited options for action and adventure. It’s only a short trip on the Sentosa Express (train) from Singapore, but has so much to offer. You can head to Universal Studios Singapore, try ziplining, luge (part go-kart, part toboggan) or even do some indoor skydiving at iFly Singapore.
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Stick around on Sentosa Island for its stunning beaches, and grab some lunch at the famous Tanjong Beach Club, widely considered to be the world’s best beach bar for its amazing menu, service and views. Alternatively, head over to Resorts World Sentosa for enough restaurant options to satisfy even the fussiest eaters.
The fun continues in the city at Singapore Zoo, which is regarded as the world’s best rainforest zoo. Or for some local culture, head to Tiong Bahru, Singapore’s first housing district. Here, you can find great cafes along Yong Siak Street, and enjoy local delicacies at the Tiong Bahru Market.
For some fantastic shopping, take the family to Singapore’s 24-hour shopping mall, Mustafa Centre. This gem in Little India sells practically anything you can think of – it’s like K-mart, but on an entirely new level.
All in all, it’s got the right ingredients for unforgettable family trip – Formula 1 under lights, unlimited fun and relaxation options in and around Singapore, as well as lots of fantastic local and international food.
The Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2023 will be held from September 15-17, with more information at singaporegp.sg