There was a time when Formula 1 felt like a niche world reserved for die-hard motorsport fans.

Now? It's firmly part of mainstream culture.

From the global obsession sparked by Netflix's Drive to Survive to the rise of initiatives like F1 Academy — a female-only junior championship creating pathways for women into motorsport — the sport has evolved. Women are no longer just spectators. We're engineers, presenters, and increasingly, a powerful portion of the global fanbase.

Growing up in Singapore, a city that's long been a fixture on the F1 calendar, I've been to the local night race more times than I can count. Over the years, I've watched the crowd shift, with more and more women filling the grandstands.

And take it from me, if you're looking for a destination to book your next trip, it's hard to find an atmosphere that's more electric.

The original night race hits different.

This year's Singapore Grand Prix will take place from October 9 to 11 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, home to Formula 1's first-ever night race when it launched back in 2008.

There's something different about watching the race cars speed under dramatic floodlights to a backdrop of glowing, towering skyscrapers. Over the three-day extravaganza, you can feel the city pulsing with life.

Image: Supplied.

From the excitement of the races to the glitzy fashion, star-studded concerts and celebrity sightings (Chris Hemsworth and Adam Lambert have been my highlights) there really is a drawcard for everyone.

Growing up, it was a known fact that race weekend meant the entire CBD transformed. Roads were closed, and you could hear the engines roaring through Marina Bay even if you weren't anywhere near the track.

The best part about it being a night race? Your days are left wide open. You have hours to fill and a city full of experiences to explore.

Whether you're booking a girls' trip, a milestone birthday or simply a luxury getaway, there is so much you can bundle in to make the most of the experience, and booking a package through Keith Prowse Travel can help make it all seamless.

They offer all-inclusive Singapore Grand Prix packages that bundle accommodation, race tickets and transfers, taking the stress of logistics out of your planning. Their data shows 50 per cent of their packages are booked by female travellers, which speaks volumes about all the experience has to offer.

There are options ranging from entry-level access to premium hospitality experiences. I've personally enjoyed hospitality at the Twenty3 venue before, and being able to step into air-conditioning, enjoy elevated dining and still walk straight back out to a viewing platform above the track is a game-changer in the tropical heat.

If you book through Keith Prowse Travel, there's also a selection of curated extras ranging from a Q&A session with a Formula 1 legend, to high tea at Raffles Singapore (a must-do Singapore experience), or cocktails at Long Bar (home of the Singapore Sling).

You'll come for the racing nights, but stay for everything else on offer through the day.

Singapore is so much more than just a race destination.

The island is a perfect mix of cityscape and lush nature, making it an ideal destination for a girls' getaway. You can find yourself in the hustle and bustle of the CBD in one moment, and walking through a tropical rainforest the next.

An activity that should top your list is a visit to Gardens by the Bay. I have been to the futuristic waterfront park time and time again, and it never fails to disappoint. From the iconic towering Supertrees to the climate-controlled conservatory filled with flora from around the world and spectacular light shows, it really is the perfect day out.

For the ultimate shopping experience, spend a day exploring Orchard Road's luxury boutiques and department stores, then head to the trendy Arab Quarter to wander through the colourful shophouses of Haji Lane, perfect for unique finds and Instagram-worthy photos. Don't miss the vibrant Bugis Street market for affordable fashion and accessories and Katong-Joo Chiat for more shopping and culture immersion.

Gardens by the Bay. Image: Supplied.

If fauna is more your thing, hit up Mandai Wildlife Reserve, home to the award-winning Singapore Zoo, Night Safari (the world's first nocturnal zoo) and Bird Paradise.

If your idea of a holiday involves beach clubs and relaxing by the water with a cocktail in hand, Sentosa Island has you covered, with beaches, Universal Studios Singapore and plenty of panoramic lookout points over the city.

One of the best things about Singapore is how easy it is to get from place to place. The MRT (our local underground railway system) is incredibly quick and user-friendly. In fact, I don't think I've ever waited more than six minutes for a train in all my time there. That efficiency will come in extra handy if you'd like to visit Singapore's cultural precincts throughout race weekend.

Take a wander through Chinatown for heritage shophouses, temples and street art. Explore the golden-domed Sultan Mosque in Kampong Gelam, or spend an afternoon exploring delicious eats in Little India.

Chinatown. Image: Supplied.

Kampong Gelam. Image: @visitsingapore.

Each neighbourhood feels distinct, and offers a charming slice of Singapore's 'melting pot' of cultures, which are intrinsic to the city's identity.

Why the Singapore Grand Prix should be on your travel bucket list.

The Singapore Grand Prix is more than just another race on the calendar — it's a high-energy sporting event with the feel of a luxury getaway.

For fans of the sport, it's an opportunity to experience racing in an atmosphere like no other. And for those looking for more than the track, the city offers culture, food and nature just minutes away.

For me, it's never just about the roar of the engines. It's pure, high-octane entertainment, and watching the skyline glow beyond the grid is an experience you can't forget.

Explore Keith Prowse Travel's 2026 packages for the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix.

Featured image: Supplied/Formula 1.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Singapore Tourism Board and Keith Prowse Travel

Whether you're obsessed with F1 or just keen to experience Singapore when it's buzzing, Keith Prowse Travel has you covered. With limited availability, it all comes down to one thing — how good do you want your Grand Prix weekend to get?