Extreme Singapore challenge highlighted with 'nearly dead' warning

Giancarlo Fisichella has explained how demanding the Singapore Grand Prix is for F1 drivers, claiming "you're nearly dead" by the end of the almost two-hour ordeal.

Formula 1 is at the Marina Bay Street Circuit this weekend for the annual trip to the Southeast Asian city-state, where, despite racing at night, the field will face extreme heat and humidity during the longest race of the campaign.

George Russell recently said he would not have competed in Singapore had his Azerbaijan Grand Prix illness struck him two weeks later.

Fisichella, who raced in F1 for numerous teams from 1996 to 2009, experienced the rigours of the original F1 night event in his final two seasons, and pointed out how physically and mentally difficult it is.

Speaking to wettbasis.com, the three-time grand prix winner said: "From what I remember, Singapore and Malaysia were the toughest races physically and mentally.

"Dealing with the humidity and the heat is tough. It's so hot in Singapore, and it usually goes over an hour and fifty [minutes]. When you're at the end of the race, you're nearly dead."

"It'll be important to drink a lot, to be in a good condition. That's the key. All of the drivers are fit to deal with that now."

A good question mark

The paddock heads to Singapore with Max Verstappen looking to make it three victories in succession, after doubling his tally for the season with wins in Monza and Baku.

However, Fisichella maintains the Red Bull driver will not be the favourite, instead predicting McLaren will have the edge again, as Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris look to shake the Dutchman off their backs.

With seven rounds remaining, the four-time F1 drivers' champion has dragged himself back into title contention. He trails the former by 69 points and the latter by 44.

"Singapore's a good question mark considering Red Bull and Verstappen," Fisichella said. "If they are still quick like they've been at Monza and Baku, they can fight for the victory in Singapore.

"At the moment, I see both McLaren drivers as favourites. McLaren will be up there, followed by Max and then who knows?"

"You need a good car with good grip, good traction, good change of direction. At the moment, the McLaren looks like the best car, apart from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix — it was surprising to see Norris unable to overtake other drivers. The pace was also not quick enough."