Singapore Grand Prix: Thundery rains threaten Formula 1 sprint
Rain could complicate Saturday’s Singapore Grand Prix sprint, but the latest forecast looks better for Sunday’s main race. Max Verstappen starts the shorter race from pole position, but changing conditions threaten to add another challenge at Marina Bay.
A Saturday update from GPblog, citing the FIA’s weather portal, puts the chance of rain during the sprint at 20%, with thunderstorms expected earlier in the day. Its forecast falls to 0% for evening qualifying and Sunday’s race — a prediction, rather than a guarantee.
🚨 FORMULA 1’S OFFICIAL FORECAST FOR SINGAPORE 🇸🇬 Friday: ☁️ Cloudy Saturday: 🌧️ Rain expected Sunday: 🌧️ Rain expected A wet Singapore GP weekend could be on the cards… and at Marina Bay, that could mean absolute chaos. 👀 #F1 | #SingaporeGP https://t.co/3d4WZkZFZj
— Everything Formula (@evrythngformu1a) October 7, 2026
Mercedes’ forecast points to a mostly dry Grand Prix, with a small chance of a passing shower. Heat and humidity remain a challenge, with race temperatures around 29°C and humidity above 75%.
Kalimantan looks like a war zone. haze in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. praying for strong winds and rain to wash the haze away.
— Colbert (@sirshibaninja) October 9, 2026
The official schedule has Saturday’s sprint at 5pm Singapore time, followed by qualifying at 9pm.
Read more: How Verstappen secured Singapore sprint pole
How rain impacts Formula 1 races
Rain affects how quickly drivers can stop, turn, and accelerate. Standing water can lift the tyres off the road, temporarily preventing the driver from steering or braking effectively — a phenomenon called aquaplaning.
Teams must also choose the right tyres. Smooth tyres, or slicks, are best in dry conditions. Grooved intermediate tyres can handle a damp track, whereas full wet tyres are designed for more water.
Changing tyres takes time in the pits. Stop too early and the new tyres may be unsuitable; wait too long and rivals can gain ground while your driver struggles for grip.
Read more: Valtteri Bottas covers 420km from Malaysia to Singapore in four days
Visibility can become a bigger issue as cars create clouds of spray, making it difficult to see those ahead. If conditions become unsafe, officials may slow the pitch behind a safety car or stop the session with a red flag.
