This weekend, I booked the second-cheapest tickets for Singapore’s F1 event

The Singapore Grand Prix is the city-largest state’s event. It is where the quickest automobiles, the hottest parties, and the most star-studded concerts converge.

I was among the more than 300,000 spectators at last weekend’s Formula 1 race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit; the event lasted three days.

Due to a poor booking decision, I missed a great deal of the action.

A Red Bull automobile positioned in front of the Bay Grandstand during qualifying.

Marielle Descalsota/Insider

In 2017 and 2018, I volunteered at the event as a newsletter writer, so I received two three-day tickets in addition to my all-access staff pass.

This year marked my first time purchasing race tickets.

I attempted to get tickets the evening before the event’s first day, but only a few categories were still available. I ultimately purchased Padang Grandstand tickets for 138 Singapore dollars, or $96, and Bay Grandstand tickets for SG$198. The tickets were for Friday’s practice session and Saturday’s qualifying session.

The tickets were among the least expensive available. On practice days, the only cheaper option is an SG$98 Zone 4 Walkabout pass. Every ticket, regardless of price, gives access to the concerts.

Initially, I believed I had scored a terrific deal.

Marshmello at the Grand Prix of Singapore

Marielle Descalsota/Insider

Watching the rivalry between Ferrari and Red Bull unfold before my eyes was exciting, and the rave-like performances by Marshmello and the Black Eyed Peas kept me on my feet all night. The entire weekend it rained in Singapore, yet the weather had little effect on the activities.

But my experience was not entirely positive.

The crowd at the Grand Prix of Singapore.

Marielle Descalsota/Insider

I missed half the race since getting to my seat took so long.

Because there were hundreds of thousands of people at the event, it was difficult to walk from zone to zone. On qualifying day, I had to walk from Zone 4 concerts to my Zone 3 seat.

The majority of people attempted to rush to their seats in time for the race after the concerts. However, because there was only one overpass leading to the Bay Grandstand, tens of thousands of people were squished together. I found myself surrounded by people in the crowd. Some individuals squeezed through trees and climbed cliffs to approach the overpass.

When I reached Zone 3, only thirty minutes remained in the hour-long qualifying period. In addition, my seat was positioned in the grandstand’s second-to-last row. I could barely make out the racetrack or even the panel displaying the results.

Singapore Formula One Grand Prix.

Marielle Descalsota/Insider

In the end, it was not worthwhile to go to all that work for a seat in the last row. In reality, I observed an unimpeded view of the track in Zone 4, where the cheapest tickets are available. From Zone 4, I was able to capture a few close-up images of the vehicles, including Sergio Perez’s (shown below), the eventual race winner.

Checo’s Zone 4 Red Bull automobile.

Marielle Descalsota/Insider

Overall, the Singapore Grand Prix was as exciting as I recall. If you are there to watch the race, though, the second-cheapest tickets are hardly worth the money. Go for the cheapest tickets if you wish to save money and yet witness the race. And if you’re simply there to enjoy the night, you don’t need a grandstand seat to feel the excitement.