Singapore GP 2026: Sprint debut sets up key test

Singapore hosts its first Sprint weekend on 9-11 October, with Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren and Max Verstappen all arriving with fresh questions.

Singapore’s Marina Bay Street Circuit hosts a Sprint weekend for the first time on 9-11 October, adding an extra challenge for teams and drivers, as Formula1.com reported. BBC Sport noted it is the sixth and final Sprint event of the 2026 season. Formula1.com also reported that Max Verstappen arrived after his first win of the year and was assessing his prospects of finally winning in Singapore. Red Bull came into the weekend with 130 Grand Prix victories in its history.

Ferrari was another focus in the paddock build-up. Formula1.com reported that Lewis Hamilton said he and team mate Charles Leclerc were approaching the weekend aggressively. Ferrari remains Formula 1’s most successful constructor by wins, with 250, which added context to the attention on its form in Singapore.

Mercedes and McLaren also arrived with unresolved questions. Formula1.com reported that Andrea Kimi Antonelli said Mercedes were still trying to understand their latest upgrades and were aiming to move back toward the front, while Lando Norris said McLaren had fallen short across the previous two weekends and hoped a recent car issue had been addressed before Singapore.