Singapore government denies Grand Prix at risk after corruption charges

The Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry insists the future of the Singapore Grand Prix is not in doubt after a key figure was forced to resign over allegations of corruption.

Subramaniam Iswaran resigned from his cabinet post on Thursday after being hit with 27 charges, including "obtaining gratification as a public servant."

The charge sheets against Iswaran reveal allegations that he received and was gifted more than $160,000 in Singapore Dollars (£93,850 GBP), in flights, hotels, football and musical tickets as well as those to the Grand Prix at Marina Bay that he was instrumental in delivering back in 2008 as F1's first night race.

It is alleged that Iswaran was gifted the items in return for advancing the business interests of Ong Beng Seng - a property tycoon.

Both Iswaran and Ong were arrested last year, with Iswaran declaring to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong that was he innocent of, and rejected the charges against him.

Iswaran (below, second left with Bernie Ecclestone and Ong right) was often seen on the podium at the Grand Prix, as one of the dignitaries to hand out the trophies to the top three.

No impact on grand prix

In a statement, the Ministry of Trade and Industry explained that "the terms of all the agreements were considered carefully by the government.

"There was an independent consultancy study and there is nothing to suggest as of now that either the F1 contracts of other contracts were structured to the disadvantage of the government.

"All preparations for the F1 Singapore Grand Prix in 2024, which is scheduled for 20-22 September 2024, are on track."

The Singapore Grand Prix currently has a contract in place up to and including the 2028 season and was the first night race on the calendar with events in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi also running at night.