FIA Warns Singapore GP Entertainment Could Be Curbed if Haze Worsens, But Race Will Go Ahead

Formula 1's governing body has warned that this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix could see curbs on entertainment and other outdoor activities if the haze blanketing the city-state deteriorates further, though the race itself will proceed as planned. An FIA spokesperson told Reuters on Thursday that air quality is being monitored by local authorities and contingency measures are in place, adding that the body is following local recommendations and working closely with officials to safeguard the health of F1 personnel. No threshold was given for when restrictions would be activated. Singapore has been shrouded in smoke for weeks, with air quality sitting in the "unhealthy" range just a day before the race weekend. The pall comes from Indonesia's most intense forest fires in over a decade, and the prevailing southeasterly winds are expected to keep pushing smoke toward Singapore in the coming days, though rain forecast for Friday through Sunday should help. Singapore's tourism board said it is monitoring pollution levels and would make medical assistance and N95 masks available on site if required. There is precedent: in 2019, when haze was similarly unhealthy during the race, organisers had first aid on standby and distributed masks. Notably, the weekend also carries a separate FIA heat hazard declaration, and marks the debut of an F1 Sprint race at Marina Bay.