Here's the thing about the Marina Bay Street Circuit: even the absolute giants of the sport think it needs a serious rethink. As Motorsport.com reports, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have called for changes to the Singapore track layout, arguing that a longer straight or a proper hairpin is desperately needed to turn it into a truly great racing venue.
While speaking in the post-sprint press conference when asked about the circuit hosting a sprint race, Hamilton explained that while he genuinely loves racing at the venue, he and Verstappen had been discussing potential alterations. "I was just saying to Max, I think they need to change the track to maybe a longer straight somewhere in order to allow for it to be truly a great racing circuit," Hamilton said. The seven-time champion noted that it is a fantastic machine to drive over a single qualifying lap, but pointed out that there is literally only one real place where a driver could potentially get close enough to make a move.
Hamilton also highlighted other quirks of the circuit, such as Turn 16 where the crest in the middle of the track causes sparks to fly because the surface is not particularly flat. Whether it is for rain management or something else, he believes adjustments are necessary to make it a hundred percent great, though he admitted he does not know if organizers will actually do it.
Verstappen fully agreed with that assessment, adding that the circuit would benefit from a longer straight or a proper hairpin to help overtaking. The Red Bull driver also noted that a bigger delta on the straight is required alongside any layout changes. On the track itself, Verstappen secured victory in the sprint race with Ferrari's Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following right behind him. The Dutchman then doubled down by claiming the main grand prix victory, where he shared the podium with Leclerc in second place and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli in third.
