FIA Warns of Haze Restrictions on Outdoor Activity at Singapore GP
SINGAPORE: The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile said on Thursday that some outdoor activities at this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix could face restrictions if the Singapore GP haze worsens. The governing body stressed that the race itself is not under threat.
Singapore has been covered in smoke for weeks. Air quality is currently in the “unhealthy” range across the country. The race weekend begins on Friday. A busy week of conferences has also brought regional, business, cryptocurrency and sports leaders to the city-state.
No threat to the night race
Despite smoke from Indonesia’s most intense fires in over a decade, the FIA said the haze is not expected to threaten track activity or the staging of the Formula 1 night race. An FIA spokesperson said: “Air quality levels are being monitored by the relevant local authorities, and appropriate contingency measures are in place.”
The FIA gave no threshold for when restrictions on entertainment and other outdoor activity would come into force. The spokesperson said the governing body was following recommendations from local authorities. It is working closely with them to safeguard the health of F1 teams.
Singapore’s National Environment Agency and the tourism board did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In its haze update on Wednesday evening, the agency said: “Under the prevailing southeasterly to southerly winds, smoke haze from these areas may continue to drift towards Singapore.”
Singapore GP haze is a recurring problem
Singapore’s haze comes from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia, mostly in Sumatra and Kalimantan. The smoke drifts across the Strait of Malacca during the southwest monsoon season. The problem has returned many times over the years and has disrupted public life, air travel and outdoor events.
The 2019 Singapore Grand Prix took place under similar conditions. Air quality was in the “unhealthy” range that year as well. Organisers had first aid help on standby and made N95 masks available to anyone who needed them. The race went ahead as planned.
What outdoor restrictions could mean
The Singapore Grand Prix is more than a race. It is a weekend of concerts, fan zones and street parties built around the night race at Marina Bay. Restrictions on outdoor entertainment could hit the concert stages, food festivals and open-air fan areas that draw tens of thousands of spectators.
The FIA’s wording covers “entertainment and other outdoor activity” but not track action. Drivers and teams operate inside air-conditioned garages and hospitality units. Pit crews and track marshals, however, work in the open. The spokesperson said the FIA was following local guidance to protect team personnel.
So far, no timetable has been announced. Organisers will act on advice from Singapore’s authorities as conditions change through the weekend.
FAQ
Will the Singapore Grand Prix be cancelled?
No. The FIA has said the haze is not expected to threaten track activity or the staging of the night race. Only outdoor activities such as entertainment could face restrictions if conditions worsen.
What exactly did the FIA say?
An FIA spokesperson said: “Air quality levels are being monitored by the relevant local authorities, and appropriate contingency measures are in place.” The governing body gave no threshold for when entertainment restrictions would kick in.
What happened during the 2019 Singapore GP haze?
In 2019, haze was similarly in the “unhealthy” range during the race weekend. Organisers had first aid help on standby and provided N95 masks to those who needed them. The race went ahead normally.
Where does the haze come from?
The smoke comes from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia, described as the most intense in over a decade. Southeasterly to southerly winds are carrying it towards Singapore, according to the National Environment Agency.
