Business as usual despite haze as F1 crowds dine and drink outdoors

"We’ve had a full house every day this week … but we see less locals because of the haze,” says one restaurant manager.

A crowd at the junction beside Raffles Hotel on Oct 10, 2026. (Photo: CNA/Raydza Rahman)

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SINGAPORE: Businesses have seen little impact on demand from the haze over the Formula 1 weekend, with crowds continuing to dine and drink outdoors despite the hazy conditions.

Restaurants and bars at Raffles City and CHIJMES in Singapore’s central business district were still drawing crowds of locals and tourists, many of whom appeared unfazed by the haze as they sat outdoors, unmasked, dining and drinking while the sound of Formula 1 cars could be heard nearby.

Air quality across Singapore remained in the unhealthy range on Saturday (Oct 10), although readings had eased overnight.

At 4pm, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading was 170 in central Singapore, 154 in the west, 153 in the east, 130 in the south and 120 in the north.

CNA Games Guess Word Crack the word, one row at a time Buzzword Create words using the given letters Mini Sudoku Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser Mini Crossword Small grid, big challenge Word Search Spot as many words as you can Show More Show Less On Friday, the 24-hour PSI rose steadily across Singapore through the morning. By 5pm, all five regions were in the unhealthy range, with the central region recording a PSI of 192 - a new high for this year's haze season. Spots like Chimichanga and Brotzeit at Raffles City, which offer both indoor and outdoor seating, continued to see diners opting for tables outside, though there appeared to be more tourists than locals braving the heat and haze.

On Friday, the 24-hour PSI rose steadily across Singapore through the morning. By 5pm, all five regions were in the unhealthy range, with the central region recording a PSI of 192 - a new high for this year's haze season.

Spots like Chimichanga and Brotzeit at Raffles City, which offer both indoor and outdoor seating, continued to see diners opting for tables outside, though there appeared to be more tourists than locals braving the heat and haze.

Chimichanga at Raffles City on the first day of Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix on Oct 9, 2026. (Photo: CNA/Lim Li Ting)

CNA observed a similar trend at restaurants at CHIJMES, with businesses saying Singaporeans appeared to be more wary of the hazy conditions, while tourists were generally less concerned and continued to dine and drink outdoors.

Ms Depa Nagarajan, manager of Drinks & Co, said that business over the last few days was “better than usual”.

“The haze has not affected business and there are more people despite the haze.”

She added that she does not expect demand to drop despite the haze being in the unhealthy range on Saturday, and said the team is geared up and ready for more tourists after this weekend’s races and concerts.

She also said that staff have prepared masks for anyone who feels uncomfortable in the haze, and that they have four “air coolers” in the outdoor dining area to ensure customers can enjoy their meals in comfort.

Nearby, Tony Eugene, the artisanal manager of Duomo Ristorante, said that it has been “super busy” due to the race.

“We’ve had a full house every day this week. Many international people are flying in, but we see less locals because of the haze and not many are coming as usual.”

He added that he has not heard any complaints from customers or much chatter about the haze, with people soaking up the atmosphere and excited about being in Singapore despite the conditions.

However, he did say that it was extremely humid in the last couple of days, with everyone sweating profusely.

“I’m hoping it’ll rain so people will be more comfortable. And that might make the haze better,” he said.

Asked how the situation would be managed if haze conditions continued to worsen, he said: “We will manage. We bring people good food and drinks, and they are not so concerned about the air quality.”

Mr Eugene also expects the weekend crowds, not just those attending F1, but people wanting to have a good time, to keep coming.

Patrons of various F&B outlets at Chijmes on Oct 10, 2026. (Photo: CNA/Raydza Rahman)

At the centre of the stretch of restaurants in CHIJMES, there was also a Jim Beam bourbon whiskey pop-up where patrons could sit outside and listen to live music while enjoying drinks, with the first 100 customers getting free drinks.

The space appeared more crowded than the restaurants, with more people heading over to check out the live band and queueing for a racing simulator at the corner of the pop-up.

Ms Rayern Goh, South East Asian marketing manager at Jim Beam, said the haze has not dampened demand, with crowds continuing to turn up despite the conditions.

She expects to see more than 1,000 visitors to the pop-up over the race weekend.

While Thursday’s crowd comprised mostly invited guests, she said turnout remained strong on Friday, with most visitors being tourists.

“Singaporeans are more cautious about the haze,” she said, adding that they tended to limit their time outdoors.

Tourists, however, appeared less concerned about the conditions.

“The love for F1 is very big. It’s an event so many are looking forward to,” she said.

Patrons sitting around also did not seem too fussed by the heat and haze, and most were not wearing masks.

Mr Bima Ariatama, who came from Jakarta, Indonesia, with his wife to watch the race, said that he was not worried about the haze. “If the air gets worse, we’ve prepared masks and will just spend more time in the malls.”

He is also not planning to change his outdoor plans over the next few days and will carry on as normal.

“We went around to see the F1 pop-ups and activities around Singapore and will go see more activities related to F1,” the 39-year-old banker said.

Those who were not in the area for the race also felt that they could brave the heat and haze outdoors, and still seemed to be having a good time.

Dressed in a long-sleeved shirt and holding an alcoholic drink as he perspired, Mr Kaitaro Endo, who arrived in Singapore from Japan a couple of days ago for a work trip, only learnt about the haze from his taxi driver on the way from the airport.

The 33-year-old, who works in the food and beverage industry, said he has not been particularly affected by the haze.

“I’m working in the office for the whole day, so I’d want to be outdoors when I’m not working,” he said.

Mr Endo added that he plans to continue sightseeing outdoors over the coming days and will take precautions by staying hydrated.

Patrons of various F&B outlets at Raffles City on Oct 10, 2026. (Photo: CNA/Raydza Rahman)

“FELT LIKE A HEATWAVE”

Speaking to CNA at Friday’s concert, Ms Yan Jun Chan, said that she was not too affected by the haze, but had concerns earlier in the day about whether the concert would be cancelled.

"I did look at the haze (levels) before I came. I think even if it was over 200, I would have still come down … The money I spent on my ticket and (the) emotional investment I have towards the race,” the 24-year-old account executive said.

"If it got to a point where it's a health hazard, I will probably minimise my activities but I would still come down for the race itself because I've been waiting for a year for it."

While fans exiting the event venue on Friday said they did not mind the haze too much, they found heat “unbearable”.

Miss Bibi Nguyen, who spoke to CNA after K-pop boy band Cortis’ concert, said that although visibility was still good from where she was standing, it felt like she was in “in a heatwave”.

She heard that some fans left in the middle of the concert because it was just too hot and crowded, though most people were still having a good time.

“I was there from 2pm and the performance was great. Everyone had fun but I would say the crowd was too chaotic,” the student said.

View of the haze around Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands on Oct 10, 2026. (Photo: CNA/Raydza Rahman)

Mr Hakimi, who only goes by one name, was wiping his sweat with a towel as he spoke to CNA. He said that although there had been worries that the event would be cancelled, he felt confident that things would pull through.

He said that it was “quite humid” and he could “feel the air was really bad” as he walked around the various race spots. It also began to feel harder to breathe as the night went on.

“I got sick previously and am still recovering. So we tried to pace our walks and not rush to the different zones too much,” he said, adding that the air felt even worse after the cars zoomed by.

Ms Trudy Ng, who had been on the grounds since about 4pm, said that she had brought extra masks in case it got really bad and she had to share them with others.

Although she felt “uncomfortable throughout” the six hours she was there due to the haze and heat, she said it was an “experience for the books” and is looking forward to returning on Saturday and Sunday for the other races and concerts.

“It happens once a year and it’s such a big spectacle in Singapore. I wasn’t planning to give up tickets I paid for just because (of the) haze.”

“RELIEF” RACE WAS NOT CANCELLED

F1 fans and concertgoers who spoke to CNA on Friday before attending the event also said there were worries that it would be postponed or cancelled.

“We were a little worried because we could see that it looked quite bad. But we brought masks just in case and we’re just here to have fun,” said Anne Marie Chua, who was attending the event with her husband, neighbour and friend.

“We’re glad it did not get cancelled, but if it did, it would make sense.

“It is what it is, but what a relief. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that it would continue on. It’s really such a nice atmosphere,” the 55-year-old, who works in the automotive industry, said.

International fans who flew down for the race were not too affected either, and were not worried that things would be cancelled. “The show must go on,” said Tom Bradbury from the UK.

“The reading says it’s unhealthy, but I smoke so I’m not too affected. But I am bummed that certain views aren’t as clear,” he said, adding that he will be attending races on all three days.

“I’m drinking more water … and alcohol.”

Luke Ormandy, who is also from the UK, said that he was “not particularly concerned” despite chatter about whether the race might be cancelled.

“I’m here to spend time with my family, so I’m here regardless.”

He still has outdoor plans after the race to take a boat out from Sentosa and enjoy some time under the sun.

Carlos Sainz from Williams driving during free practice amid hazy conditions at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix on Oct 9, 2026. (Photo: CNA/Alyssa Tan)

For those working during the F1 period, they too had protocols to keep themselves safe.

Ms Mei Ling Lim and Ms Sumi Chua, who work for a market research agency conducting surveys on customer experience at the F1, said that they would be attending all three days and were worried not just about their health, but also whether there would be enough people for them to interview.

“More people are coming out later and going back earlier,” Ms Chua said.

The company has survey protocols under which, if the PSI goes above 200, they would stop speaking to people outdoors and conduct surveys only indoors.

“We hope it doesn’t rain, but the rain will keep the haze away,” said Ms Lim.

Still, the two are keeping a positive mindset as they head into the work weekend.

“We’re keeping optimistic that everything will go well,” Ms Chua said.

Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said on Saturday that Singapore is prepared to help Indonesia in fighting forest fires wherever necessary amid the ongoing haze.

She added that she has been in touch with her Indonesian counterpart, Minister Jumhur Hidayat, and has offered her support and expressed appreciation for the effort he has put into containing the forest fires in the country.

"We are aware that efforts are going on. We stand ready to assist where we can," she said.

"I'm also supporting any regional efforts to have discussions on regional cooperation on haze issues.

"We are concerned about the well-being of our people. We are on top of the situation. We have plans put in place, and we'll do whatever is needed to protect the public health of Singaporeans."

Additional reporting by Hazeeq Sukri.

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一位餐厅经理说：“这周我们每天都座无虚席……但由于雾霾，本地顾客减少了。”

2026年10月10日，莱佛士酒店旁的十字路口聚集着人群。（图片：CNA/Raydza Rahman）

这段音频由人工智能工具生成。

新加坡：一级方程式赛车周末期间，雾霾对商家的需求影响甚微，尽管天气雾霾严重，人们仍然继续在户外用餐和饮酒。

新加坡中央商务区的莱佛士城和赞美广场的餐馆和酒吧仍然吸引着大批当地人和游客，许多人似乎并未受到雾霾的影响，他们坐在户外，没有戴口罩，一边用餐喝酒，一边还能听到附近一级方程式赛车的轰鸣声。

周六（10月10日），新加坡各地的空气质量仍然处于不健康水平，尽管一夜之间读数有所缓解。

下午 4 点，新加坡中部 24 小时污染物标准指数 (PSI) 读数为 170，西部为 154，东部为 153，南部为 130，北部为 120。

CNA游戏 猜词游戏 逐行破解单词 流行词游戏 用给定的字母组成单词 迷你数独 小谜题，脑力挑战 迷你填字游戏 小方格，大挑战 单词搜索 尽可能多地找出单词 显示更多 显示更少 周五，新加坡24小时空气污染指数（PSI）在上午持续上升。到下午5点，所有五个地区的空气污染指数均已达到不健康范围，其中中部地区的PSI高达192，创下今年雾霾季的新高。莱佛士城的Chimichanga和Brotzeit等提供室内和室外座位的餐厅，仍然可以看到食客选择户外座位，不过似乎冒着高温和雾霾前来用餐的游客比当地人更多。

周五上午，新加坡24小时空气污染指数（PSI）持续攀升。到下午5点，所有五个区域的PSI均已达到不健康水平，其中中部地区的PSI高达192，创下今年雾霾季的新高。

莱佛士城的 Chimichanga 和 Brotzeit 等餐厅提供室内和室外座位，食客们仍然选择坐在室外，尽管似乎冒着酷暑和雾霾前来用餐的游客比当地人更多。

2026年10月9日，新加坡一级方程式大奖赛首日，莱佛士城餐厅供应墨西哥炸卷饼。（图片：CNA/林丽婷）

CNA在赞美广场的餐厅也观察到了类似的趋势，商家表示新加坡人似乎对雾霾天气更加谨慎，而游客则普遍不太担心，继续在户外用餐和饮酒。

Drinks & Co 的经理 Depa Nagarajan 女士表示，过去几天的生意“比平时要好”。

“雾霾并未影响商业活动，而且尽管有雾霾，人流量反而增加了。”

她补充说，尽管周六的雾霾达到了不健康水平，但她预计需求不会下降，并表示团队已经做好准备，迎接本周末比赛和音乐会后更多的游客。

她还表示，工作人员已为任何在雾霾中感到不适的人准备了口罩，并在户外用餐区配备了四台“空气冷却器”，以确保顾客能够舒适地享受用餐时光。

附近的杜奥莫餐厅的经理托尼·尤金表示，由于比赛，餐厅“非常忙碌”。

“这周我们每天都客满。很多国际游客都飞过来了，但因为雾霾，本地游客比较少，不像往常那样多。”

他还补充说，他没有听到顾客的任何抱怨，也没有听到太多关于雾霾的议论，人们沉浸在新加坡的氛围中，尽管情况如此，但仍然对身处新加坡感到兴奋。

不过，他确实提到，过去几天天气非常潮湿，每个人都汗流浃背。

“我希望下雨，这样人们会感觉更舒适。而且雨水或许也能缓解雾霾，”他说。

当被问及如果雾霾情况持续恶化将如何应对时，他表示：“我们会应对的。我们会为人们提供美味的食物和饮料，他们并不太在意空气质量。”

尤金先生还预计，周末的人潮将会持续涌来，不仅是观看F1比赛的人，还有那些想要享受美好时光的人。

2026年10月10日，赞美广场各餐饮店的顾客。（图片：CNA/Raydza Rahman）

在赞美广场 (CHIJMES) 的餐厅区中心，还设有一家 Jim Beam 波旁威士忌快闪店，顾客可以坐在户外，一边享用饮品，一边欣赏现场音乐，前 100 名顾客可获得免费饮品。

这个空间似乎比餐厅更拥挤，更多的人前往观看现场乐队表演，并在快闪店角落排队体验赛车模拟器。

Jim Beam东南亚市场经理Rayern Goh女士表示，尽管有雾霾，但需求并未受到影响，人群依然络绎不绝。

她预计在比赛周末期间，这家快闪店将吸引超过 1000 名游客。

她说，虽然周四到场的主要是受邀嘉宾，但周五的到场人数依然很多，而且大部分都是游客。

“新加坡人对雾霾更加谨慎，”她说道，并补充说他们往往会减少户外活动时间。

然而，游客们似乎不太关心这些状况。

“人们对F1的热爱非常深厚。很多人都非常期待这项赛事，”她说。

周围的顾客似乎并不太在意炎热和雾霾，而且大多数人都没有戴口罩。

来自印尼雅加达的比马·阿里亚塔马先生和妻子一起来观看比赛，他说他并不担心雾霾。“如果空气质量恶化，我们已经准备好了口罩，会多待在商场里。”

他也不打算改变未来几天的户外活动计划，一切照常进行。

这位39岁的银行家说：“我们四处参观了新加坡各地的F1快闪店和活动，还会去看更多与F1相关的活动。”

那些不在比赛现场的人也觉得他们可以克服户外的炎热和雾霾，而且似乎仍然玩得很开心。

几天前从日本抵达新加坡出差的远藤凯太郎先生，身穿长袖衬衫，手里拿着一杯酒，汗流浃背。他是在从机场到新加坡的路上，从出租车司机那里才得知有雾霾的。

这位33岁的食品饮料行业从业者表示，他并没有受到雾霾的特别影响。

“我整天都在办公室工作，所以不工作的时候我想待在户外，”他说。

远藤先生补充说，他计划在接下来的几天里继续进行户外观光，并将注意补充水分，以防万一。

2026年10月10日，莱佛士城各餐饮场所的顾客。（图片：CNA/Raydza Rahman）

“感觉像热浪一样”

周五音乐会现场，颜俊灿女士接受亚洲新闻台采访时表示，她并没有受到雾霾的太大影响，但当天早些时候她曾担心音乐会是否会被取消。

“我来之前确实查看了雾霾（指数）。我想即使超过200，我还是会来的……毕竟我花了钱买票，而且我对这场比赛也投入了感情，”这位24岁的客户经理说道。

“如果情况发展到危害健康的地步，我可能会减少活动，但我仍然会来参加比赛，因为我已经为此等了一年了。”

周五离开活动场地的粉丝们表示，他们并不太在意烟雾，但他们觉得天气“难以忍受”。

在韩国流行男团Cortis演唱会结束后接受CNA采访的Bibi Nguyen女士表示，虽然她所站的位置能见度仍然很好，但感觉就像身处“热浪之中”。

她听说有些歌迷因为天气太热、人太多而在演唱会中途离场，不过大多数人仍然玩得很开心。

“我下午两点就到了，演出很精彩。大家都玩得很开心，但我觉得观众有点太混乱了，”这位学生说道。

2026年10月10日，新加坡摩天观景轮和滨海湾金沙酒店周围笼罩在薄雾之中。（图片：CNA/Raydza Rahman）

哈基米先生（他只有这一个名字）一边用毛巾擦汗，一边接受亚洲新闻台（CNA）采访。他说，虽然之前曾担心活动会被取消，但他相信活动最终会顺利进行。

他说，天气“非常潮湿”，而且在各个赛场附近走动时，“感觉空气很糟糕”。随着夜色渐深，他也开始感到呼吸困难。

“我之前生病了，现在还在恢复中。所以我们尽量放慢脚步，不急着赶往不同的区域，”他说，并补充说，汽车呼啸而过后，空气感觉更糟糕了。

从下午 4 点左右就一直待在现场的 Trudy Ng 女士说，她带了额外的口罩，以防情况变得非常糟糕，需要与他人共用。

尽管由于雾霾和炎热，她在那里的六个小时里“一直感到不舒服”，但她表示这是一次“值得铭记的经历”，并期待着在周六和周日回来观看其他比赛和音乐会。

“这每年都会发生一次，在新加坡可是件大事。我可不想因为雾霾就放弃我已经买好的票。”

“救援”比赛并未取消

周五，一些F1车迷和音乐会观众在参加活动前接受CNA采访时也表示，他们担心活动会被推迟或取消。

“我们有点担心，因为我们看到情况看起来很糟糕。但我们还是带了口罩以防万一，我们只是来玩的，”安妮·玛丽·蔡说道，她和丈夫、邻居以及朋友一起参加了此次活动。

“我们很高兴它没有被取消，但如果真的被取消了，也是情理之中的事。”

“事情就是这样，但真是松了一口气。我们衷心希望这种情况能继续下去。这里的气氛真的很好，”这位55岁、在汽车行业工作的男子说道。

专程飞来观看比赛的国际车迷们也并未受到太大影响，他们并不担心比赛会被取消。“演出必须继续，”来自英国的汤姆·布拉德伯里说道。

“检测结果显示吸烟不健康，但我自己也抽烟，所以受影响不大。不过，有些观点不够明确，这让我很失望，”他说道，并补充说他将参加这三天的所有比赛。

“我喝的水更多了……也喝了更多的酒。”

同样来自英国的卢克·奥曼迪表示，尽管有传言说比赛可能会取消，但他“并不特别担心”。

“我来这里是为了和家人共度时光，所以无论如何我都会来。”

比赛结束后，他仍然有户外活动的计划，打算从圣淘沙岛乘船出海，享受阳光。

2026年10月9日，在新加坡一级方程式大奖赛的自由练习赛中，威廉姆斯车队的卡洛斯·塞恩斯在雾霾天气下驾驶赛车。（图片：CNA/Alyssa Tan）

在F1赛事期间工作的人员也有相应的安全防护措施。

在一家市场调研机构工作的梅玲·林女士和苏米·蔡女士表示，她们将参加为期三天的F1赛事，她们不仅担心自己的健康，还担心是否有足够的人供她们采访。

蔡女士说：“越来越多的人晚出门，早回家。”

该公司有调查规程，根据该规程，如果 PSI 超过 200，他们将停止在户外与人们交谈，而只在室内进行调查。

林女士说：“我们希望不要下雨，但下雨可以驱散雾霾。”

尽管如此，两人还是保持着积极的心态迎接即将到来的周末工作日。

“我们保持乐观，相信一切都会顺利，”蔡女士说。

新加坡永续发展及环境部长傅海燕周六表示，在持续的烟霾天气下，新加坡已做好准备，在必要时帮助印尼扑灭森林火灾。

她补充说，她已与印尼森林保护部长朱姆胡尔·希达亚特取得联系，并表示支持，感谢他为控制该国森林火灾所做的努力。

“我们知道各方正在进行努力。我们随时准备在力所能及的范围内提供帮助，”她说。

“我也支持任何旨在就雾霾问题开展区域合作讨论的区域性努力。”

“我们关心人民的福祉。我们正密切关注局势。我们已经制定了计划，并将采取一切必要措施来保护新加坡人民的公共健康。”

Hazeeq Sukri 的补充报道。

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