The 'F1 Night Race' returns this weekend as the Singapore Grand Prix hosts Formula 1 for the first time since 2019.

The pandemic made travelling to Asia particularly hard for the sport and it's been a while since several of the tracks in that part of the world have hosted a race.

It's great to see normality returning in that sense, then, and the Singapore GP is always one to get excited about, with spectacular viewing under the floodlights and a real challenge presented to the drivers.

Ahead of the weekend's action, then, we take a look at some of the most pressing topics that will need answers at the Marina Bay Street Circuit...


Will Max Verstappen win the title?

Max Verstappen celebrates winning the 2022 Belgian GP

SPA, BELGIUM - AUGUST 28: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on August 28, 2022 in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Max Verstappen gets his first chance of winning a second world title this weekend with him on a run of five straight race victories and now well over 100 points clear of his nearest rivals in the championship standings.

It's more likely he'll win the title in Suzuka or Austin but the sooner he can do it, he'll feel, the better.

No mistakes and getting points on the board at a challenging circuit will be his main aim this weekend, though, first and foremost.

READ MORE: HOW MAX VERSTAPPEN CAN WIN THE WORLD TITLE IN SINGAPORE

Will bouncing make a return?

George Russell drives the Mercedes at Zandvoort

ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 02: George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W13 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on September 02, 2022 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

We've not seen as much bouncing in recent races but the return to a street track could well see the drivers bobbing up and down once more.

The stiff set-up of the 2022 cars at the likes of Monaco and Baku, other street circuits on the calendar, saw plenty of bouncing and though the teams should now have a better handle on things this much later in the year, there's still a chance we could see this added challenge returning at what is already one of the toughest races of the year.

How will Alex Albon fare?

Alex Albon talks to the press in Austria

SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA - JULY 07: Alexander Albon of Thailand and Williams looks on in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on July 07, 2022 in Spielberg, Austria. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Alex Albon is back behind the wheel under three weeks after appendix surgery and it must be stated that it is some effort he is going to be putting in this weekend.

He's obviously a supremely fit athlete anyway but at one of the most challenging races of the year with the humidity and length of the GP, few would envy Albon getting behind the wheel.

He has been working hard to recover and clearly feels fit and ready to compete, though, so good luck to him this weekend!

READ MORE: OUR EXCLUSIVE CHAT WITH ALEX ALBON

Will Mercedes spring a surprise?

Lewis Hamilton & George Russell

ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 04: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W13 leads George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W13 during the F1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on September 04, 2022 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Singapore hasn't been a Mercedes stronghold in the recent past, even in their most dominant years, but this season we've seen them surprise at tracks like this where they've gone better than they were expecting.

The W13 is a self-proclaimed 'diva' among members of the team and though they're more on top of how the car works there are clearly still some things they are working on.

Could they spring a surprise and be really strong here this weekend, then? Time will soon tell...

Could heavy weather have an impact?

Singapore GP rain

SINGAPORE - SEPTEMBER 17: The rain falls before the Formula One Grand Prix of Singapore at Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 17, 2017 in Singapore. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

It's monsoon season in that part of the world at the moment and so it's going to be interesting seeing just what sort of impact the weather has on each session.

Heavy rain is expected at least in the afternoon every day this weekend, but will that last into the evening when the serious business of qualifying and the race is held local time?

It would certainly add extra spice to this already exciting Grand Prix.

READ MORE: SINGAPORE GP START TIME, WEATHER FORECAST, FULL SCHEDULE & UK TV COVERAGE

Max Verstappen is the odds-on favourite to win the Singapore GP this weekend with Betway. Check out their F1 markets ahead of lights out here!


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