Formula 1 Confirms Singapore Race Amid Severe Air Pollution

WHO:

Bloomberg - Stefano Domenicali is the CEO of Formula 1.

CNN - Valtteri Bottas is a driver for Cadillac, and Lewis Hamilton drives for Ferrari.

WHAT:

Bloomberg - The Formula 1 race in Singapore will proceed despite severe air pollution.

CNN - Singapore's air quality index (AQI) was reported at 216, indicating a "very unhealthy" level.

CNN - The Singapore Grand Prix will feature entertainment acts including Janet Jackson and The Killers.

CNN - The education ministry in Malaysia shut schools across several states due to worsening smog conditions.

WHERE:

Bloomberg - The event is taking place in Singapore.

CNN - Singapore is identified as one of the wealthiest cities in the world and a key Asian financial hub.

CNN - The haze is caused by fires in neighboring Indonesia, specifically from southern and central Sumatra and West Kalimantan.

WHEN:

Bloomberg - The Formula 1 race is scheduled for the upcoming weekend.

CNN - The races in Singapore faced air quality issues in 2015 and 2019.

WHY:

CNN - The haze is attributed to wildfires in Indonesia, exacerbated by a "super" El Niño climate pattern leading to intense blazes.

CNN - The haze is an annual occurrence during Indonesia's dry season when peatland is cleared for commercial plantations.

HOW:

CNN - Singapore's National Environment Agency reported that smoke plumes were observed drifting towards Singapore due to prevailing winds.

CNN - The motorsport's governing body, FIA, stated that while outdoor entertainment events may be affected, the race itself will not be modified.

(UPDATED October 9, 2026 08:07 UTC)

The Formula 1 race in Singapore is set to take place this weekend, despite the air quality being reported at a "very unhealthy" level of 216 on the air quality index. Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, confirmed that while outdoor entertainment events might be impacted, the race will proceed as planned, featuring performances from Janet Jackson and The Killers. The haze affecting Singapore is caused by wildfires in neighboring Indonesia, a situation worsened by a "super" El Niño climate pattern, and has led to school closures across several states in Malaysia due to deteriorating smog conditions.