Singapore Grand Prix to proceed despite haze concerns
Friday 9 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story Liam Lawson, Max Verstappen
The FIA has confirmed that the Singapore Grand Prix will go ahead as planned despite haze affecting air quality. While outdoor entertainment may face restrictions, the race itself will not be impacted. The event arrives following the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Key facts
5 facts
- Kimi Antonelli leads George Russell by 84 points in the championship
- George Russell will start from the back of the grid in Singapore due to engine penalties
- Liam Lawson sits ninth in the world drivers' championship with 65 points
- The Singapore Grand Prix is a sprint weekend featuring one practice session
- Haze from Indonesian fires has resulted in unhealthy air quality in Singapore
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
Formula One arrives in Singapore this week for a sprint weekend as Kimi Antonelli holds an 84-point championship lead over George Russell. Russell's title challenge was weakened following a power unit failure during his retirement in Malaysia, which left him set to start from the back of the grid this Sunday because he has no engines remaining in his season's allocation.
The Marina Bay Street Circuit is currently facing haze issues caused by intense fires in Indonesia, though the FIA says the race itself will not be affected. While air quality has been in the unhealthy range, the FIA is monitoring levels and working with local authorities to safeguard team health. The Singapore tourism board has stated it will make N95 masks and medical assistance available on-site if required.
Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson enters the weekend in ninth place in the drivers' championship after finishing seventh in Malaysia. Lawson, who is 24 points ahead of Pierre Gasly for the position of best driver outside the top four teams, is looking to maintain his momentum. The weekend schedule includes a single practice session starting at 9.30pm NZT on Friday, followed by sprint qualifying and the sprint race.
Max Verstappen seeks to build on his recent victory in Malaysia, where he won in treacherous rain conditions. Verstappen noted that his win may have been track-specific and expressed that Singapore feels like "unfinished business".
How it developed
- Fri 9 Oct, 10:22amReport 4 specifies that Lawson fought with Max Verstappen for third place into turn one during the Malaysian race.
Where reports differ
- Report 1 refers to the recent race in Malaysia as the Bahrain Grand Prix, while reports 3 and 4 refer to it as the Sepang circuit.
Compiled from reports by RNZ, NZ Herald and 1News.
