The Singapore GP presents a number of unique challenges. Of course, the Marina Bay Street Circuit is notorious for its tight corners and treacherous walls, but the climate in the Asian metropolis also always plays a major role. While the FIA has issued an official heat warning for the first time, some rookies are preparing for this grueling race in their own way. Gabriel Bortoleto came up with a notable exercise.
The Singapore GP is considered by many drivers to be one of the toughest tests on the calendar. “The cockpit feels like a sauna,” is a well-known quote from George Russell. This weekend, the perceived temperatures are expected to rise to a whopping 38 degrees Celsius, partly due to the extremely high humidity on and around the Marina Bay Circuit. It’s no secret that it gets even hotter in a roaring Formula 1 car – up to 60 degrees Celsius, drivers know. So how do you prepare as a rookie for such an exhausting race? Gabriel Bortoleto thinks he has the answer.
“I’ve practiced a lot on this circuit at home in Monaco in the simulator,” Bortoleto told the Swiss Blick. The Brazilian trains a lot on the virtual asphalt, just like his friend and role model Max Verstappen. “I’ve driven around five hundred laps,” he continued proudly. “Instead of wearing a T-shirt, as I normally do, I wore two thick jackets to simulate the heat.” A creative exercise indeed. Whether it pays off, we’ll find out on Sunday.
