SINGAPORE, Oct 9 — Haze blanketing Singapore could lead to restrictions on entertainment and other outdoor activities at this weekend's Grand Prix, but the race itself will not be affected, motorsport's governing body, the FIA, said today.
Singapore has been shrouded in smoke for weeks, with air quality in the ‘unhealthy’ range a day before the race weekend and during a busy week of conferences drawing regional, business, cryptocurrency and sports leaders to the city-state.
Despite the haze caused by Indonesia's most intense fires in more than a decade, poor air quality is not expected to threaten track activities or the Formula One night race, an FIA spokesperson said.
"Air quality levels are being monitored by the relevant local authorities, and appropriate contingency measures are in place," the spokesperson said.
The FIA did not specify the threshold at which contingency plans affecting entertainment and other outdoor activities would be activated.
The spokesperson said the governing body was following recommendations from local authorities and working closely with them to safeguard the health of F1 teams.
Singapore's tourism board said it was monitoring pollution levels and would keep those within the circuit informed of the latest haze developments. Medical assistance and N95 masks would also be made available on-site if required.
"In the event that haze causes visibility, public health or operational issues, the relevant agencies will work closely with Singapore GP to assess the situation before making any collective decisions regarding the event," the board said.
Meteorological Service Singapore said rain was expected today, Saturday and Sunday, which would "help the haze situation", although prevailing winds could cause the haze to continue drifting towards Singapore over the next few days.
In 2019, when air quality was similarly in the unhealthy range during the Singapore Grand Prix, organisers had first-aid assistance on standby and made N95 masks available to those who needed them.
F1 drivers, meanwhile, remained unfazed by the haze.
Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas, who cycled to the Singapore Grand Prix from Malaysia after retiring from Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang circuit, said: "I don't feel like it's that extreme yet. I mean, it's not great, but I don't think there's that much you can do."
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton said he had "much bigger issues to focus on".
"So I haven't noticed anything while I'm outside, apart from the fact that we struggled to land because of smog. The fact is we're all here."
