Singapore Grand Prix ⋅ Where to Watch
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If you’re planning a trip to the Singapore Grand Prix, the only thing harder than staying cool in the tropical heat is going to be choosing the right seats for race weekend.
This Singapore GP seating guide reviews every grandstand worth your time (and a few that aren’t), helping you cut through the hype and find the best value F1 grandstand in Singapore for your budget and priorities.
Whether you’re after grandstand views of the fireworks, overtaking zones, or just want a solid seat with a great atmosphere, we’ve analysed every stand for what really matters to spectators.
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What to Expect from Singapore F1 Grandstand Views
No one’s going to leave the Singapore Grand Prix feeling short-changed. It’s a stunning event, full of atmosphere, spectacle, and action. But in terms of trackside viewing, while some grandstands are worth every Singapore dollar, others leave you wondering if it was worth it.
Like many street circuits, Singapore isn’t built for spectators. Buildings, bridges or trackside clutter get in the way, and outside of the most expensive seats, your view is mostly confined to one corner.
Debris fencing is everywhere, and from some seats, you’ll feel like you’re watching the race from inside a cage. While mesh fences never improved anyone’s Grand Prix photos, happily, they often seem to fade into the background once the race is underway.
How Zones Work at the Singapore GP
There are 4 zones at the track, so depending on your ticket, your movement around the circuit may be restricted. You’ll have access to the zone your grandstand is in, plus all higher-numbered zones. For instance, if you have a ticket for Zone 1, you can access zones 2, 3 and 4 too. But if you have a Zone 4 ticket, you can only access Zone 4.
Zone 1 tickets are often considered the best because they allow you to explore the whole circuit and catch some of the action from all the Walkabout (GA) areas. Zone 1 also has fewer crowds, its own stage, and opportunities to see drivers at the paddock entrance.
If attending concerts is a priority, though, Zone 1 grandstands are a 30-45 minute walk from the main concert area in Zone 4. Take the MRT to get there slightly quicker and enjoy a refreshing dose of aircon on the way. Get the train from Nicoll Highway station to City Hall station.
Best Grandstands at the Singapore Grand Prix
Pit & Super Pit Grandstands: Grid Views, Pit Stops and Race Day Theatre
The main start/finish straight in Singapore is the epicentre of the whole event. It’s where you can watch the race start and finish, see positions won and lost in the pits, and cheer the victors on the podium.
There is no better place to be on race day for atmosphere and spectacle, and the Pit Grandstand puts you right in the heart of the action. Super Pit tickets elevate your experience even further — literally — giving you seats in the more desirable upper rows, as well as some extra perks.
Racing action is, like most main straights, pretty limited. That’s par for the course at the tight street circuit though so snapping up tickets for these seats and soaking up the energy isn’t a bad choice.
Block Breakdown: Pit & Super Pit
- Start line: For seats opposite the start line and the first few rows of the grid, choose Block A14
- Finish line: Blocks A3 and A4 are opposite the finish line.
- Podium and Parc Ferme: There are no blocks directly opposite, but seats in the left side of the stand (ie. Blocks A3, A4, etc.) have a good view of the podium.
- Top teams’ garages: Choose a seat in sections A5 to A13 to be opposite the top four teams’ pit boxes.
This information is subject to change. Check with your ticket provider before booking.
Pit Grandstand
ZONE 1
HIGH BUDGET
TV SCREEN
COVERED
RESERVED SEATS
As main grandstands go, Singapore’s is a little on the small side, and that’s something you really notice from the lower rows. Being closer to the track has its appeal, especially during race build-up, where teams prepare on the grid just metres away.
But if you’re hoping for views of the pit stops, prepare to be underwhelmed. Looking through two fences to a distant pit lane from the lower seats, don’t be surprised if you can’t see much more than a car’s t-cam as it’s raised on the jacks.
If you think the main grandstand is for you, try to get seats in higher rows like 13–16, from where the view is passable. If not, bite the bullet and go Super Pit.
Super Pit Grandstand
ZONE 1
HIGH BUDGET
TV SCREEN
COVERED
RESERVED SEATS
Given the Pit Grandstand’s shortcomings, the Super Pit upgrade is absolutely worth it if a main grandstand seat sounds like your thing. The top four rows (17–20) are sold as Super Pit and give you a far better view, especially of the pit stops, which are largely hidden from the rows below.
As if that wasn’t reason enough, it also comes with a bunch of extra goodies like a padded seat and food and merch vouchers.
- Commemorative ticket and lanyard
- Padded seat for added comfort
- Total $100 worth of food vouchers for use across the 3 days
- 5 drink vouchers per day
- Official Singapore Grand Prix merchandise vouchers worth up to S$100)
Grandstands at Turn 1 and 2: First Lap Drama & Pit Stop Suspense
A cluster of five grandstands offer views of turns 1 and 2, where the anticipation of the start and the often chaotic first lap of the race is nowhere more keenly felt.
This bottleneck is often the scene of opening lap drama. None more so than in 2017 when Sebastian Vettel took out his Ferrari teammate, Max Verstappen and himself in an unintentional kamikaze move. If it’s action you seek, look no further.
This is no one-trick pony, though, and fans in these grandstands can expect to be entertained throughout the race. At the end of the long main straight, turn 1 is also one of the few potential overtaking spots on this tight circuit.
To top it off, this is also the location of the pit lane exit — a place to see the nail-biting results of race strategy calls as they unfold.
Turn 1 Grandstand
ZONE 1
HIGH BUDGET
TV SCREEN
COVERED
RESERVED SEATS
The Turn 1 (T1) and Turn 2 (T2) grandstands form an L-shaped structure that hugs the outside of the first corner. Two giant grandstands, two epic views — for my money, these are the best grandstands for F1 in Singapore, offering not just an amazing vantage point but the crowd energy to match.
For spectators in the Turn 1 Grandstand, cars enter from the left, giving you a brief side-on view; the rest is mostly the rear of the cars through the turns. This grandstand enjoys a better view of the first few corners as the cars turn sharply into turn 1 and snake their way around turn 2 and disappear around turn 3.
While you can see some way up the main straight, the angle is less than ideal especially when everyone stands up at the start, as is often the case.
Turn 2 Grandstand
ZONE 1
HIGH BUDGET
TV SCREEN
COVERED
RESERVED SEATS
BEST IN PRICE RANGE
F1S CHOICE
It’s much easier to see the start/finish straight from neighbouring Turn 2 Grandstand. From this vantage point, fans look directly over turn 1 and up the straight. There’s something about 20 angry F1 cars driving straight at you that never gets dull.
This grandstand is less well positioned for a clear view through the following turns 2 and 3. Unlike in T1, here you’ll have to turn to the side to follow the action through this serpentine sequence of corners.
So, which grandstand is better? Neither will disappoint. Choose T1 for better views through the corners or T2 for better views of the approach.
Note: Blocks A5 and A6 are best avoided if you want to see the main straight. Try to get seats in sections A1 to A4 if this is a priority.
Chicane @ Turn 1 Grandstand
ZONE 1
HIGH BUDGET
TV SCREEN
COVERED
RESERVED SEATS
Ideally placed for the will-he-won’t-he-get-the-undercut suspense, this grandstand is perhaps more worthy of the Pit Exit Grandstand mantle. Its position in the interior of turn 1 also has a perfect view of where cars rejoin the track with a fresh set of tyres.
As well as a clear view of the exit to turn 1, fans here can follow the action as far as the entry to turn 3. All that’s lacking is a view of the turn 1 entry or any of the main straight, but this is nonetheless a compelling place to watch F1 in Singapore.
Chicane @ Turn 2 Grandstand
ZONE 1
HIGH BUDGET
TV SCREEN
COVERED
RESERVED SEATS
A close sibling to the Turn 1 Chicane stand, this grandstand offers a similarly strong view of one of the busiest sections of the circuit. The perspective shifts slightly, but the payoff is the same: a multi-corner view with plenty of potential for action.
This duo might not deliver the knockout views of the grandstands opposite, but if those are a stretch too far for the budget or they’re sold out, these are a very solid alternative.
Pit Exit Grandstand
ZONE 1
MID BUDGET
TV SCREEN
COVERED
RESERVED SEATS
Located on the interior of the track, the Pit Exit Grandstand is just metres away from the pitlane, close to turn 1. Don’t be fooled by the name though, you won’t see any pit stops from here, or the actual pit lane exit. The point where cars rejoin the race track is around the corner and not visible from these seats.
What you can expect is a view of the braking zone to the first corner, and from some seats, the corner entry. Watching an F1 car hit the brakes here is properly impressive, and there’s a real chance of seeing an overtake or two into the corner.
It is a blink-and-you-miss-it view, though, and from some seats you’ll struggle to have a clear view. Fencing, bridge supports and other bits of circuit furniture cut off your sightlines, especially if you’re at either end of the grandstand.
Note: Seats at the left end (facing the track) offer a better view of the approach, while those on the right have a cleaner angle on the corner itself. For the most balanced view, aim for blocks near the middle. Avoid the outer edges (ie. lower numbers in Section A1 and higher numbers in Section A2).
Turn 5: Weighing Up Raffles and Republic Grandstands
Turn 5 is a medium-speed right-hander that feeds onto the lap’s first DRS zone. While it’s not a common overtaking spot itself, it is crucial to get right for a chance to pass into turn 7. There are two grandstands with a view of turn 5: Republic and Raffles.
Republic Grandstand
ZONE 1
LOW BUDGET
TV SCREEN
COVERED
RESERVED SEATS
Tucked on the inside of Turn 5, Republic is one of the more affordable grandstands at the Singapore GP. Cars blast past just metres away, giving you that visceral F1 gut punch of sound and speed — but they’re gone before you’ve even opened your camera app.
The backdrop of the Singapore Flyer adds some atmosphere, and you’re facing the right way for the post-race fireworks. Nice bonuses for sure, but perhaps not enough to make up for the mediocre views.
Republic Grandstand is fine if you’re after a low-cost single-day ticket, but it’s not somewhere you’d want to spend a full weekend.
Raffles Grandstand
ZONE 1
MID BUDGET
TV SCREEN
COVERED
RESERVED SEATS
The Raffles Grandstand is a smaller grandstand with a bigger, wider view. On the opposite side of turn 5, it’s far enough away from the track to have a more panoramic view of the corner, as well as the approach and some way down the following straight.
Where it could be better is the position of the giant screen. It shares the same screen as Republic — not an ideal angle — but in just about every other way, Raffles is the stronger pick. If you’re deciding between the two, this is the one to go for.
Zone 4 Grandstands: Budget-Friendly Seats In The Walkabout Zone
There are several lower-priced grandstands located in Zone 4: Stamford, Connaught, Padang and Empress. Considering the entry-level price tags, most of these deliver an impressive ROI, positioned close to overtaking spots or with a rare multi-corner view.
Being in Zone 4 means you’ll only have access to one Zone at the circuit — disappointing, perhaps if you were hoping to explore the track more fully. But this is the walkabout zone where most of the general admission views are. It also gives you access to the most spectacular views of the post-race fireworks over the bay near the Esplanade Theatre.
Stamford Grandstand
ZONE 4
LOW BUDGET
TV SCREEN
COVERED
RESERVED SEATS
BEST IN PRICE RANGE
The Stamford Grandstand is positioned at the exit of Turn 7, where cars come off Raffles Boulevard into a tight sequence of 90-degree corners. The circuit’s first DRS zone ends here, and braking into Turn 7 is one of the best overtaking opportunities on the lap.
A seat in the Stamford Grandstand won’t always mean you’ll see the drama unfold. If the move is complete before the corner, the best view you’ll have of it will be on the giant screen. But with a bit of luck, duels won’t always be so short-lived, and you’ll be in a prime spot to see some wheel-banging action through the corner.
Padang Grandstand
ZONE 4
LOW BUDGET
TV SCREEN
COVERED
RESERVED SEATS
The backdrop of the colonial-style National Gallery is an impressive sight, and there are a number of giant screens to keep fans in the Padang Grandstand informed on the action.
The track view to the left of the stand in the braking zone of turn 10 is better. This is a section of track that showcases the cars’ speed and braking, but it’s certainly not a common overtaking spot, and this is the clear weakest out of these four grandstands.
One extra benefit is the Padang Grandstand’s proximity to the Padang Stage, which hosts post-racing entertainment. If you’re not that impressed with your views of the track, you should be able to at least make up for that with a front row spot at the concert.
Empress Grandstand
ZONE 4
LOW BUDGET
TV SCREEN
COVERED
RESERVED SEATS
Rounding turn 11, cars breeze past the Empress Grandstand before flicking left around turn 12 and onto the steel-arched Anderson Bridge. It’s a medium-speed section of the track and one of the few where you get to follow the racing through more than one corner.
To its detriment, this is a very narrow part of the track, and it’s almost always single file. However, coming just before the long straight, following drivers will be giving it their all to stay close through here and chance an overtake into turn 14.
Connaught Grandstand
ZONE 4
LOW BUDGET
TV SCREEN
COVERED
RESERVED SEATS
Connaught lies near the end of the Esplanade Drive at one of the highest speed parts of the track, just as cars brake sharply into turn 14. This is one of the best grandstands at the circuit to see the immense speed and equally impressive braking ability of a Formula 1 car.
It’s also a possible overtaking opportunity. Most seats are a little too distant from the corner, and although you might see drivers going wheel to wheel here, having a good view of a pass isn’t guaranteed. Certainly not a bad grandstand for the price, but there are better views to be had.
On The Waterfront: Grandstands by the Bay
The area around the final part of the lap is undergoing some major redevelopment, so for now, the track bypasses the enormous Bay Grandstand. At the water’s edge, Bayfront, Promenade, Skyline and Marina Bay grandstands cover turns 16 to 19.
Bay Grandstand
ZONE 3
LOW BUDGET
TV SCREEN
COVERED
RESERVED SEATS
Note: Due to the redevelopment work in the area, the Bay Grandstand is currently unavailable.
Just marginally more expensive than Zone 4 walkabout tickets, the Bay stand might seem good value for a grandstand. So, how good is it, and is it worth the extra cost?
Views from the grandstand are limited, and this is not the most action-packed stretch of track. It’s not every year a misguided rookie deliberately wrecks his car in front of this stand. Cars sprint along the short straight and disappear faster than you can say “auto-focus”.
It’s not all bad news, though. Fans with Bay Grandstand tickets are free to explore Zone 4, giving you plenty of other vantage points to explore. And when your feet get tired and sweaty, you’ve at least got a reserved seat to come back to.
What’s more, the backdrop of the Singapore skyline is stunning. It’s a huge improvement on the generic mish-mash of catch-fencing and advertisements you’ll find in some other vantage points, and the big, open view really gives your eyes room to breathe.
Bayfront Grandstand
ZONE 2
MID BUDGET
TV SCREEN
COVERED
RESERVED SEATS
BEST IN PRICE RANGE
The Bayfront Grandstand – not to be confused with the Bay Grandstand – borders the turn 16/17 chicane. In one fluid motion, fans in these seats witness the mesmerising stopping power, agility and acceleration of a Formula 1 car. After giving it full beans on the preceding straight, cars brake hard, flick right, then left before tearing off towards turn 18.
In the shadow of the Benjamin Sheares Bridge (longest bridge in Singapore, for all you bridge trivia fans out there) and a very welcome shadow it is, providing some respite from the Singapore sun. Not a bad thing if you’re catching FP1 or support races during the day.
Note: This is actually more like two small grandstands, each angled slightly differently. Seats on the right (block A2) have a better view of the cars navigating turn 16, while those on the left (block A1) get a clearer line down the next straight.
Promenade Grandstand
ZONE 1
MID BUDGET
TV SCREEN
COVERED
RESERVED SEATS
Promenade is a narrow grandstand, just four rows deep and so close to the track you can practically feel the wind as the cars pass you. Leave that USB fan at the hotel and stay cool F1 style.
The grandstand occupies a short straight between turns 17 and 18, and fans here can see this entire section, though the corners are a little distant. It’s also opposite the pit lane entrance, so you’ll be first to know of any strategy calls.
This is a quieter, low-key spot that’ll appeal to some, and it’s got the basics covered: a reserved seat and a screen. But the view is underwhelming, and you’re practically face-planting the fence.
It doesn’t exactly scream “dream F1 experience,” but you’ll be off your feet for a couple of hours, which, for some, might be enough.
Which Singapore GP Grandstand Should You Choose?
Some Singapore GP grandstands are sublime, but there are some real duds too. In my experience, Padang, Republic, Promenade, and Pit Exit just don’t make the cut. Even for a day, they’re underwhelming and best avoided. A few others are fine in small doses and can work as part of a multi-day combo ticket, but you mightn’t want to spend your whole weekend in them.
Turn 1 and Turn 2 stand out for their mix of race day atmosphere and trackside views, though none of the grandstands in this area will disappoint. You’ll see the start, pit exit drama, overtaking, and some of the race’s most intense moments
If you want to be in the heart of the action and feel the energy, you can’t go wrong with the Pit Grandstand, but you should spring for the Super Pit seats if you want to have the best views.
If you’re on a tight budget, it’s slim pickings, but Empress offers solid value with its rare multi-corner view. Stamford, meanwhile, gives you a decent shot at seeing some wheel-to-wheel action. If you’re not convinced, a Walkabout ticket might be the best way to dip your toes into F1 in Singapore without taking out a second mortgage.
Ready to book? Once you’ve figured out which grandstand suits you, head over to our F1 ticket partners or see our Singapore Grand Prix tickets page for more details.
About Me
I’m Danny, an incurable Formula 1 fan for over 35 years and founder of The F1 Spectator. My aim is to inform and inspire, arming you with helpful tips and advice for your next F1 trip.
