Top 10 most memorable moments at F1 Singapore GP

The Marina Bay circuit (Singapore GP), with its reputation for being a formidable challenge when it comes to overtaking, has played host to a series of remarkable incidents and unforgettable moments over the years. From dangerous mishaps to moments of sheer hilarity, the Singapore Grand Prix has rarely failed to deliver in terms of excitement and drama.

As we anticipate the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix on the racing calendar, the Formula 1 championship picture is gradually coming into focus, with drivers vying for supremacy in this prestigious event. Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most iconic moments from past Singapore Grand Prix races.

Fernando Alonso's Controversial Victory (2008)

The 2008 Singapore Grand Prix marked a historic milestone as the first-ever night race in Formula 1. However, it will forever be remembered for a notorious cheating scandal that unfolded during the inaugural race on the Marina Bay street circuit.

The story began when Renault's Nelson Piquet Jr. crashed into the circuit wall, prompting the deployment of the safety car. Meanwhile, Piquet's teammate, Fernando Alonso, who had already made a pit stop, strategically surged into the lead while other drivers pitted. Alonso ultimately clinched victory.

The shocking revelation came in 2009 when Piquet disclosed that he had been instructed to crash deliberately by Renault's managing director, Flavio Briatore, and executive director of engineering, Pat Symonds, with the aim of providing Alonso an unfair advantage. Briatore faced a lifetime ban from Formula 1, while Symonds received a five-year suspension. Alonso escaped any allegations of wrongdoing, maintaining his ignorance of the orchestrated crash.

Massa's Pit Stop Blunder (2008)

In the unpredictable world of Formula 1, moments of high drama often blend with unexpected comedy. Such was the case during the inaugural 2008 race when Felipe Massa, driving for Ferrari, experienced a pit stop mishap that left spectators in disbelief.

What transpired was far from routine. Massa received the signal to leave the pit too early, resulting in him speeding off with the fuel hose still attached to his racing car. In an absurd twist of events, Massa raced the entire length of the pit lane before the frantic Ferrari team radioed him to stop.

The pit crew, ranging from embarrassment to amusement, swiftly approached Massa's car and managed to detach the firmly attached fuel hose. Ironically, this blunder ended up costing Massa not only the race but also the championship title, as he lost to Lewis Hamilton by just one point.

Kovalainen's Fiery Heroics (2010)

During the final lap of the 2010 night race, Heikki Kovalainen's Lotus car burst into flames, compelling him to retire from the race. However, Kovalainen displayed remarkable courage by not attempting to return to the pits with the flaming vehicle, which he deemed unsafe.

Instead, he grabbed an extinguisher handed to him by the Williams team and heroically put out the fire at the rear of his car. Adding a touch of humor to the situation, Kovalainen quipped to reporters afterward, suggesting that his efforts might warrant a raise as he was now "doubling as a firefighter."

Hamilton vs. Massa Rivalry Heats Up (2011)

The rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa had been simmering for some time leading up to 2011. That year, their competitive clashes reached new heights, and one of the most memorable incidents occurred during the Singapore Grand Prix.

Out of their five on-track collisions, one noteworthy episode unfolded in Singapore when Hamilton punctured Massa's right rear tire, causing damage to his own car in the process. Both drivers were compelled to make unscheduled pit stops, and Hamilton received a drive-through penalty as a consequence.

However, Massa's displeasure was palpable, and after the race, emotions flared. The post-race exchange began with an assertive shoulder slap from Massa, followed by a sarcastic 'good job, well done' from the Brazilian. Hamilton, never one to back down, retorted firmly with 'don't touch me, man.' It was a heated moment, underscoring the intensity of their rivalry.

The Unusual Hitchhiker (2013)

The 2013 Singapore Grand Prix offered an unexpected and humorous twist during its closing stages. Although Sebastian Vettel dominated the race, the real excitement unfolded elsewhere on the track.

Fernando Alonso, who secured a podium finish, found himself on a post-race cool-down lap when he spotted Mark Webber's Red Bull car engulfed in flames at turn 7. Webber needed a ride back to the pits, and Alonso generously obliged. What followed was a nerve-wracking yet comical drive back to the pit lane, with fans cheering for both drivers during this unconventional ride.

However, their impromptu joyride did not go unnoticed by race officials. Both Alonso and Webber received reprimands for their actions, and Webber even faced a ten-place grid penalty in the following race. Webber had to sprint across the track to catch his ride, and Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg had to swerve to avoid Alonso's stationary Ferrari. Consequently, both Webber and Alonso were penalized for breaching F1 regulations and endangering other drivers.

Vettel's Dominance (2015)

Sebastian Vettel, driving for Ferrari, was practically a sure bet for victory in 2015, having previously secured the Singapore Grand Prix trophy three consecutive times from 2011 to 2013 when he raced with Red Bull-Renault. The 2015 season was historic as it marked the first time a driver clinched a fourth Singapore Grand Prix win.

As we approach the current year's race, Vettel once again has the opportunity to secure the top spot in Singapore. However, the competition is fierce, with Lewis Hamilton leading the standings this time, and Vettel in hot pursuit. Yet, the unpredictability of a night race always leaves room for surprises.

The Track Intruder (2015)

A remarkable and audacious incident unfolded during the 2015 Singapore Grand Prix that remains etched in memory. Spectator Yogvitam Pravin Dhokia made a daring decision to venture onto the race track during the ongoing Formula 1 race at Esplanade Drive.

The British resident climbed over a safety barrier, entered the escape cage, and boldly made his way onto the track itself. With Formula 1 cars roaring by at high speeds, Dhokia casually crossed the circuit, ignoring the warnings of three marshals who were blowing their whistles and urging him to leave the track.

Dhokia later faced the consequences, serving a six-week jail sentence starting on November 3 of the same year. In the world of Formula 1, where extraordinary events are not uncommon, this incident stands out as a unique and unlikely occurrence.

Monitor Lizard Invasion (2016)

During a Saturday final practice session, an unexpected and amusing incident took place as a monitor lizard made a surprise appearance on the Marina Bay racetrack. This uninvited guest ventured onto the track just as the racing cars were heading back to their pit stops.

The presence of the monitor lizard startled Max Verstappen, one of the drivers, while Fernando Alonso seized the opportunity to capture the moment. He shared a photograph of the lizard on his Facebook page, playfully referring to it as his "new friend."

The Opening Lap Chaos (2017)

The Singapore Grand Prix witnessed one of its most chaotic and unforgettable starts in history in 2017. Within a mere 10 seconds of the night race's commencement, a dramatic collision unfolded, involving three top drivers: Max Verstappen of Red Bull, and Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen.

Vettel's ambitious move, aimed at securing an early advantage, resulted in a dramatic front-row collision, making it one of the most memorable moments in the history of the Singapore Grand Prix.

Race stewards made the peculiar ruling that no single driver was "predominantly to blame" for the incident. However, Vettel, who had secured pole position, faced substantial criticism for his "aggressive" maneuver that squeezed Verstappen into Raikkonen. The result was Raikkonen's car spiraling out of control, which, in a dramatic twist, sent Fernando Alonso's McLaren into a brief airborne spin.

Vettel's Fifth Win (2019)

From a major scandal to arguably the finest race victory, Sebastian Vettel proved that he is the king of Marina Bay by clinching his fifth win with a masterful drive in 2019.

Starting from third position, the German timed his first pit stop to perfection, ahead of teammate and pole-sitter Charles Leclerc, enabling him to take the net lead when the Monaco driver made his pit stop.

Despite a spirited attempt by Leclerc to catch his teammate, Vettel weathered all challenges and emerged victorious once again. For a Grand Prix that is typically won by drivers in pole position, Vettel's superb victory showcased his technical mastery of the circuit and provided hope to drivers aspiring to similar come-from-behind heroics.

As we look forward to this year's Singapore Grand Prix, we can only wonder what remarkable moments and unexpected twists await us on the challenging Marina Bay circuit. Formula 1 fans around the world eagerly anticipate another chapter in the rich history of this iconic night race.