Didn’t manage to snag tickets for the highly-anticipated F1 race in Singapore? Grab your binoculars and a water bottle anyway – there are plenty of public places in the city where you can watch your favourite Formula One motorists zoom down the stretches and bends of the circuit, all without having to fork out a dime. This includes air-conditioned spaces too, so you won’t necessarily have to sweat it out in the humidity.

Plan your ultimate race weekend with this handy digital guide to Grand Prix Season Singapore 2024

1. Helix Bridge

Located within the vicinity of two grandstands as well as the F1 Pit Building, the glowing Helix Bridge is sure to be crowded with spectators vying for the best view of esteemed speedsters zipping past towards the finish line a little further up ahead.

2. National Gallery Singapore

Photo:Darren Soh and National Gallery Singapore

With a good amount of F1 buzz happening at the Padang – with not one but two grandstands situated on the sprawling lawn – it’s no surprise that the open-air rooftop of the National Gallery right opposite is an ideal spot to get a glimpse of the action. While there, pop by the museum’s rooftop bar Smoke and Mirrors and treat yourself to a cocktail or two.

3. Esplanade

Esplanade is said to be the perfect racetrack lookout with its view of Raffles Avenue, and the open-air Esplanade Roof Terrace is a particularly scenic spot with plenty of fresh air. Pack some grub, head down early, and have a picnic under the stars.

4. Millenia Walk

Head up the exit on the second floor next to Harvey Norman and you’ve probably got yourself one of the clearest and closest views of turn 6. The overhead link bridge towards the right makes for the perfect vantage point if you’re hoping to snap some pictures of the race cars as they zoom by. Drop by German microbrewery Paulaner Brähaus for some craft beer and Bavarian cuisine if the race works up an appetite.

5. Link bridge between Millenia Walk and Marina Square

The link bridge joining Millenia Walk and Marina Square is another spot where you can catch racers speeding down the lanes.

6. Marina Square

Grab an early dinner from one of the many food options at Marina Square before securing your spot for a view of the tracks. The level 2 exit near Pororo Park overlooks the Esplanade portion of the track. Alternatively, pop by the rooftop garden at level three for a similar view and catch your favourite racers battling it out to get to the finishing line.

A library might seem like an unlikely place to watch fast cars, but the sheer height of this building makes that possible. Take a break from the books, head up to the 12th floor, walk towards the colossal-looking window to your left and ta-da! A birds-eye view of the Suntec City and Marina Bay area, where race cars will be driving past. Of course, do remember to keep noise levels to a mininum and avoid bursting into loud cheers of excitement.