Why the Singapore Grand Prix is the ultimate endurance test for drivers

The Singapore Grand Prix is generally regarded among the most difficult challenges for Formula 1 drivers for a number of reasons, not least the physical demands that are placed on them in the searing heat and brutal schedule at the Asian venue.

1. THE HEAT

The drivers are faced with two hours of driving in intense cockpit temperatures and therefore supreme fitness is a prerequisite for making it round the track in one piece. As Lewis Hamilton said: "It's just so hot, man.

“You have long sleeve underwear on, balaclava and then the suit on top of that – which is another three layers, and then gloves. Then you go in a sauna. And even if you open your visor, there is no cool breeze coming in, so you are sweating before you even get in the car."

2. DIFFERENT PREPARATION

As a result of the conditions the drivers are put through their paces in a different way, to prepare them for the heat, with a training regime involving aerobic conditioning sessions taking place under simulated heat that they can expect to experience within the cockpit.

3. TAKING ON WATER

Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo believes he will consume five litres of water during the race as his body looks to combat the liquid lost in the sweatbox conditions. The Aussie said: “You feel the heat when you're in the car, but when you stop after the race and the adrenaline decreases you feel it even more.

4. THE SCHEDULE

It's important that the flights bring the drivers in on time so that they can cope with jetlag and get ready for the evening race, and Red Bull team manager, Jonathan Wheatley, says this tends to work in their favour.

He stated: “The flights actually work out in our favour in that respect. Because they come in in the evening, the guys get there and can have a night out if they like for their first night in Singapore, and they don’t actually have to go to bed until 6 or 7 o’clock in the morning.”

The gym work has already begun, and the race is just one week away.