5 off-track moments you missed at the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix – from championship celebrations and full-circle moments to special lids

The 2025 Singapore Grand Prix provided the goods yet again. George Russell produced a masterclass to finally conquer the Singapore streets, whilst McLaren secured their second Constructors’ Championship victory in a row. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen closed in again on the papaya duo for the Drivers’ title with his tenacious defence against Lando Norris.

The on-track drama delivered under the Singapore night sky, but aside from the racing action, the city played host to numerous notable moments – from papaya-coloured championship celebrations and wholesome full circle moments to special edition helmets – the magic of Formula 1’s original night race truly lives on.

Full circle moment for Russell

George Russell’s maiden Singapore victory was special for several reasons; after some painful results over the past couple of visits – including that last lap crash in 2023 after running P3 – but one specific post-race celebration highlighted how this win meant that little bit more.

Reminiscing on Instagram, the Brit explained how back in 2018 he was at Marina Bay as a junior driver, and watched Lewis Hamilton produce one of the most famous laps in Formula 1 history during Qualifying, before going on to win the Grand Prix in a fantastic weekend for the team. Hamilton celebrated that night with a photo sat cross-legged on the track beside his trophy – an image that clearly stuck with Russell. Seven years later, he found himself in the same position, this time as a five-time race winner, and recreated the iconic pose in tribute. He won’t be forgetting this win for a while!

Painting Singapore papaya

It wasn’t just George Russell celebrating in Singapore – McLaren had plenty to cheer about as well. The team sealed the 2025 Constructors’ Championship for the second time in two years and did it in style under the glittering lights of Marina Bay.

Despite some tense moments between Drivers’ title challengers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the early stages of the race, the post-race mood was all smiles as the papaya squad declared on social media that they were “painting Singapore papaya.” From team photos to trophy shots and plenty of orange confetti, the celebrations underlined just how far McLaren have come in a few years and how much this title means to everyone in the garage and back in Woking.

Flat out – then flat on the floor

It’s no surprise that Singapore is the only race on the calendar that the drivers specifically prepare for given the brutal mix of blistering heat, sweltering humidity, and the constant cornering around the Marina Bay Circuit.

Post-race the scenes in parc ferme told the story: the exhausted podium-placers were sprawled on the floor ahead of the podium ceremony, dousing themselves with water over themselves to fight the intense heat. Hydration is vital here, with competitors able to lose up to 4kg in body weight over the course of the race. For many on the grid, survival is almost as big a victory as the points on Sunday night in Singapore.

Stars at the sidelines

The spectacle of Singapore is always sure to attract a glittering mix of celebrities to enjoy the action, and 2025 proved to be a star-studded affair. Spice Girls’ Mel C enjoyed a sweet reunion with Romeo Beckham, the son of her bandmate Victoria, bumping into him ahead of the Grand Prix during her DJ set on the grid. Musical fans were out in force: Dutch DJ Martin Garrix was there to support his friend Max Verstappen, while singer Lewis Capaldi brought his brother along for a high-speed weekend as well as taking to the stage for the post-race concert. Over in the Mercedes garage, Jack Whitehall, the co-host of F1 75 Live back in February, soaked up George Russell’s victory from a prime position.

Beyond those faces, the Singapore entertainment lineup added more sparkle: The Smashing Pumpkins headlined, with other stars such as Superman (a.k.a. David Corenswet), JJ Lin, Vernon and Dino from SEVENTEEN, ENHYPEN, BABYMETAL, G-DRAGON and Alan Walker in attendance, creating a true festival atmosphere alongside the night-race action.

Special edition lids for a special race

Singapore has become a favourite stop on the calendar for many of the drivers, and the night race often inspires them to bring out special edition helmet designs and showcasing a bit of personality under the visor. This year was no different, as Yuki Tsunoda teamed up with artist Verdy on a colourful cartoon-style design, whilst race-winner George Russell debuted a striking blue chrome helmet created in partnership with the Blue Marine Foundation. Lewis Hamilton added some sparkle under the lights with a glittering gold design, and Alex Albon paid tribute to his roots with a Thailand-inspired lid in collaboration with UNICEF.