Singapore Grand Prix promoter to face trial

      The investigation in Singapore is nearing completion. In 2023, the Anti-Corruption Bureau launched an inquiry against former Transport Minister S. Iswaran, who was actively involved in organizing the Formula 1 race. He has been charged with several offenses, primarily accepting bribes.

      Along with him, Singapore GP promoter Ong Beng Seng is also an accused in the case. He was charged with obstruction of justice, to which he pleaded guilty.

      Ong Beng Seng will appear in court next week. The maximum penalty he faces is up to seven years in prison, a fine of up to $30,000, or both.

      Imprisonment is not entirely ruled out, but the risk is minimal; it is expected that the judge will consider the businessman’s health condition when delivering the verdict. Ong Beng Seng has terminal multiple myeloma and several other illnesses. The prosecution is not insisting on imprisonment, as it could ‘endanger his life.’

      Although Ong Beng Seng remains the promoter of the Singapore Grand Prix, the upcoming court ruling will not affect the staging of the Formula 1 race in October, as he is not involved in the day-to-day organizational work.

      "We are confidently on schedule and remain focused on hosting the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix, which will be another world-class event for our partners and fans," assured an official representative of the Singapore Grand Prix.

      The contract to hold the Singapore Grand Prix is valid through 2028 inclusive.