SINGAPORE – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr defended his decision to attend the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix 2026, calling it a “happy coincidence” that the race will be held during his working visit and will offer opportunities to meet potential investors.
In an exclusive interview with The Straits Times on Oct 8, Marcos said the annual race has become such a major international event that business conferences and meetings among political and business leaders are scheduled around it.
“Yes, happy coincidence,” Marcos said when asked about attending one of the most prestigious and glamorous motor racing events in South-east Asia, which runs from Oct 9 to 11.
His invitation to the race came from Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The two leaders are expected to meet privately during the race weekend to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional developments.
Marcos is on a five-day working visit to Singapore, where his itinerary also included a question-and-answer session at the Forbes Global CEO Conference on Oct 8 and a visit to the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute on Oct 9.
His decision to attend the Singapore Grand Prix, however, has drawn criticism in the Philippines, with some questioning the cost of his attendance at the race as the country grapples with a massive corruption scandal involving flood-control projects.
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