Bortoleto Foresees 'Problem' with Singapore Daytime Sprint in 2026

Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto has voiced concerns over the proposed daytime sprint race at the Singapore Grand Prix in 2026. While generally supportive of sprint weekends for fan engagement, the Brazilian rookie highlighted the unique challenges posed by the Marina Bay Street Circuit, especially under the intense tropical afternoon sun.

Why it matters:

• Formula 1's push to expand sprint races to challenging venues like Singapore, and crucially, in new conditions like daytime, directly impacts driver safety, car reliability, and the competitive landscape, especially for less experienced drivers.
• Bortoleto's insights as a current F1 driver offer a valuable perspective on the practical difficulties and potential 'problems' that lie ahead with these calendar changes.

The Details:

• Singapore's Unique Challenges: Bortoleto specifically pointed to Singapore's 'concrete jungle of barriers' and 'brutal tropical heat' as compounding factors for a daytime sprint.
  • He remarked, "They may have a problem... Singapore in the daytime… not ideal."
• Rookie Learning Curve: Bortoleto, who considers himself lucky to have entered F1 with fewer sprint races, warned that future rookies will face a significantly tougher adaptation period with only one free practice session before qualifying on sprint weekends.
  • The reduced track time makes it harder for newcomers to learn circuits and fine-tune car setups, a critical disadvantage at unforgiving tracks like Marina Bay.
• Sprint Race Expansion: F1 is considering doubling sprint weekends to 12 per season (half the calendar). While Bortoleto appreciates the entertainment value for fans, he believes there should be a cap.
  • He prefers the traditional format with more practice sessions (FP1, FP2, FP3) to allow for detailed development and fine-tuning, which he finds 'fascinating' about F1.
  • He stated, "I'm not so sure I would go more than 12 at some point. I think that's already a hard limit."

What's Next:

Formula 1's decision to introduce a daytime sprint in Singapore for 2026 will serve as a significant test for both the sport's evolving sprint format and the capabilities of drivers and teams under extreme conditions. If Bortoleto's 'problem' materializes, F1 may need to reassess its strategy for sprint venue selection and conditions to ensure both spectacle and safety.