Can you hear the engines revving up and the smell of burning rubber? Although the biggest night race of the year has yet to drift onto our shores, we’re certain the excitement is already starting to get to people’s heads. In case you haven’t heard, the 2016 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix will return to Singapore’s Marina Bay Street Circuit from 16 to 18 September, and you can expect all sorts of whizzing entertainment that, for first-timers, can be slightly overwhelming.
But don’t wipe out so easily; in this ultimate F1 guide, we’ve listed essential race information, the music and fringe acts, the after-parties, F1 food and drink promos, and even F1 hotel deals to put you on the right track. And the best part? We’re even giving away a pair of all-access passes to the whole three-day spectacle! Got you seeing green yet?
The Big Numbers That You Need To Know
Racing junkies probably already know these stats like the back of their hands, but you don’t need to be a F1 fanatic to be a part of the action. From the number of laps and the number of racers, to who has the most wins in the Singapore GP, and even the total size of the gargantuan Circuit Park and which tickets you should get – our run-down of the Big Numbers will get even the most amateur of spectators properly prepped.
The Off-Track Entertainment
So if you scrolled through our Big Numbers guide, you would’ve gotten savvy with not just the superstars on the track, but those on the entertainment stages too. Huge international headliners include Kylie Minogue (16 Sep), KC and The Sunshine Band (16-17 Sep), Bastille (17 Sep), Queen + Adam Lambert (17 Sep, and possibly the hugest name on the bill), Pentatonix (17-18 Sep), Halsey (18 Sep), and Imagine Dragons (18 Sep).
Spectacular line-up, right? But just remember to catch your breath in between, and explore the Circuit Park to find other stellar musicians performing during F1 weekend. Local highlights include the jazzy Charlie Lim & The Mothership (16 & 18 Sep), indie-rockers Take Two (16 & 18 Sep), and folk-pop future star Gentle Bones (17 Sep). Other international names to look out for are New Zealand’s Aaradhna (16 Sep), India’s Prateek Kuhad (17-18 Sep), and Australia’s The Koi Boys (16-18 Sep) for showcases of folk, pop, soul and even a capella.
But musical concerts aren’t the only detour you can make along the F1 fringe; bounce around, and you could be lucky enough to bump into a wacky myriad of roving acts. Living statues, Mardi Gras-inspired fiestas, mariachi troupes, illusionists and even stilt-walking ballerinas – these kaleidoscopic characters will ensure you never have a dull moment between the races.
For the full list of venues and performance dates, click here.
The After-Parties To Keep It Going
Your heart’s still racing from the on-track entertainment of the Singapore Grand Prix, and going home in anti-climatic fashion is not an option – so start your engines once more and drift over to these sensational F1 after-parties! From ritzy to risqué, sky-high brunches to parties in the pool; if you have enough drive and gas in your tank, you’ll definitely wanna be seen at these hip events in Singapore that we’ve compiled.
The Dining Deals You Must Try
Cheering for your fave musicians and racers will definitely work up a roaring appetite. And while you’ll find plenty of food and drink stalls scattered around the Circuit Park, we won’t judge you if you feel like stepping out for a breather and grabbing a meal without the masses. On the contrary, we’re gonna point out a handful of food and drink deals that you’d wanna race to get a reservation for. Quickly, now!
F1 Sunday brunch at mezza9
Toasting to a prestigious weekend, this boozy brunch lets you indulge in free-flow Perrier Jouët Grand Brut Champagne, premium red and white wines, beers, and cocktails including an exclusive F1 martini from SGD178++.
mezza9, Grand Hyatt Hotel, 10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211. 11.30am-3.15pm on 18 September.
F1 Chef’s Table Menu at Cure
Cheering for the European racers giving you a sense of European pride? Recharge at this modern European restaurant, that will whip up signatures like foie gras brulee with burnt cinnamon sugar; wagyu beef dumpling with seaweed dashi, mushroom and quail egg; and Silver Hill Farm duck breast with confit leg and sour endives. This dinner is priced at $170++ per person.
Cure, 21 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089128, p. 6221 2189. Available from 16 to 19 September.
Fuel Up Friday at Smoke & Mirrors
Why jostle amongst hordes of people when you can be pampered with an elevated view of the race? This rooftop bar at National Gallery Singapore scores points with us once again with guaranteed seating; free flow of Champagne, wines, spirits, beers, soft drinks, juices and exclusive cocktails; and buffet stations serving Peking duck and other butler-style canapes. Reserve a terrace seat for $368++ or $428++ per person, or $298++ for a lounge seat.
Smoke & Mirrors, #06-01 National Gallery Singapore, 1 St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957. 5pm-12am on 16 September.
F1 Dining Specials at Marina Bay Sands
Naturally, you’ll find top-notch promos at Singapore’s most iconic building come F1 season. We’ve heard that ADRIFT will be serving free-flow Dom Perignon, and Bread Street Kitchen will be rolling out special cocktails at just $35 for a pair. And over at CUT by Wolfgang Puck, they’ll be preparing a special lunch menu with standout dishes like Snake River Farms flat iron steak, USDA prime sirloin burger, and Maine Lobster Club Sandwich.
Click here for a full list of F1 dining specials at Marina Bay Sands.
The Hotels To Hole Up In
We’re all too familiar with the pain that comes with the commute home during F1 season – “packed like sardines” doesn’t even come close. So do yourself a favour and book yourself a staycay in the city, where you can recuperate in luxury and harness all the R&R you require for the F1 weekend. With action this packed, you’ll need it! Here are some F1 hotel deals in town.
Mandarin Oriental
The Mandarin Oriental Singapore is a five-star deluxe hotel in Marina Square. Its fan-shaped building is a landmark of Marina Bay’s waterfront, and has divine spa services alongside restaurants serving steaks, teppanyaki, and high tea.
Mandarin Oriental, 5 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039797, p. 6338 0066, $600/night.
InterContinental Singapore
Located in the central Bugis district, this hotel boasts fancy rooms, spiffy restaurants like the European-influenced Ash & Elm, and it’s also one of our go-tos for afternoon high tea.
InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966, p. 6338 7600. $465/night.
The Westin Singapore
One of the tallest buildings in the heart of the CBD, The Westin Singapore is an ideal locale for panoramic views of the sea and the city, and a luxurious escape. It also has one of our favourite buffets in town: the Sunday Lazy Lunch at Seasonal Tastes.
The Westin Singapore, Level 32, 12 Marina View, Asia Square Tower 2, Singapore 018961, p. 6922 6968, $543/night.
Pan Pacific Singapore
Pan Pacific Singapore is also located right smack in the Central Business District, providing world-class service and five-star luxury accommodation that make guests feel at home away from home. Along with an amazing view of the city, Pan Pacific is a good starting point for guests to do some sightseeing, shopping and find good entertainment spots nearby.
Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039595, p. 6336 8111, $655/night.
The Ritz-Carlton Millenia
Hide away in the seven-acre garden oasis that is The Ritz-Carlton Millenia. Aside from deluxe suites with marble bathrooms and plush daybeds, this hotel is also home to top restaurants like Summer Pavilion for Cantonese cuisine, and Colony’s that known for its local buffet. And if you need another reason, this is also where The Podium Lounge party is gonna be held.
The Ritz-Carlton Millenia, 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039799, p. 6337 8888, $730/night.
Giveaway
You didn’t think we’d get you this psyched and not give you a chance to catch the action, did you? Fill in your particulars in the form below, and you might just win a pair of three-day passes with access to the races and live acts. Good luck!
2016 Formula 1 Singapore Airline Singapore Grand Prix, 16-18 September, Marina Bay Street Circuit. For more information on entertainment, tickets and venues, visit this page.