Organizers plan to offer N95 masks to spectators and may reduce outdoor activities amid haze from Southeast Asian fires; the race schedule remains unchanged for now.
The Singapore Grand Prix, scheduled for Oct. 9–11, could greet Formula One teams with unhealthy air quality. Singapore’s National Environment Agency classified the air as “unhealthy” amid haze from fires in Indonesia, The Guardian reported. LA NACION also attributed the conditions to drought associated with a “super” El Niño pattern.
Argentine Alpine driver Franco Colapinto noted the heat and humidity following the Malaysian round and said Singapore would bring one of the season’s most demanding weekends. Organizers said N95 masks would be available to spectators and that outdoor activities could be reduced if necessary.
According to The Guardian, an FIA spokesperson said a contingency plan was in place if the haze worsened. The newspaper reported that air pollution was not expected to affect the race timetable, although some outdoor events could be restricted. Organizers have not announced any schedule changes.
Experts cited by The Guardian warned that prolonged exposure to pollution could slow reaction times and complicate drivers’ preparation. Chris Tyler, a University of Roehampton professor who has worked with Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz, said several days of outdoor training could be harmful. The event includes a sprint, so the weekend schedule features sprint qualifying and the sprint race in place of some regular practice sessions.