by Medina Razali and Kenneth SZ Goh
The Formula One Singapore Grand Prix returns to its highly-anticipated physical format after a two-year hiatus. This year, fans can finally experience the thrill of listening to roaring engines as the race cars speed around the Marina Bay Street Circuit in exhilarating fashion. The excitement of the F1 season, which runs from 30 Sep to 2 Oct, also lies in the slew of exciting fringe events, ranging from parties, entertainment events to art exhibitions, all happening around the circuit park. We highlight some of the must-catch events of the racing season in Singapore.
1. Catch the support races
In addition to the Formula One races, look out for two international races that will be held in Singapore for the first time on the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
W Series: All-female racing championship
The W Series’ 2022 will be in town for the seventh round of the season at the Singapore Grand Prix 2022. If you’re not familiar with the W Series, it’s an all-female international single-seater motor racing championship. Prior to this, all six rounds of the season were held in Europe. This time, the seventh round of the season will be held in Singapore, marking the series’ first race in Asia.
Fans of the W Series can finally get the chance to see reigning champion Jamie Chadwick of Jenner Racing race in Singapore. Currently leading the season, Jamie Chadwick has won five out of six rounds — and we can’t wait to see how she performs when she races in Singapore.
TSS The Super Series
This year, the TSS The Super Series will hold two invitational races here in Singapore for the first time. One of the biggest domestic racing series in Thailand, the TSS The Super Series celebrates its tenth anniversary with their debut races at this year’s Singapore Grand Prix.
The two races will feature 27 international drivers from across the globe. Look out for the spectacular array of GT3, GTM and GTC supercars that will hit the roads of the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Racing fans can feast their eyes on dazzling supercars from Aston Martin, Mercedes AMG, Bentley, Lamborghini and more.
In addition, Singapore’s top race car driver Yuey Tan will also be racing in the TSS The Super Series at the Singapore Grand Prix. This marks his first race since the pandemic hit more than two years ago.
2. Meet and greet your favourite F1 drivers
If you’re a fan of Formula 1, getting face-time with your favourite Formula 1 racers ranks high on your bucket list. The Singapore Grand Prix will hold a special F1 Meet & Greet session for the first time for ticket-holders. The F1 Meet & Greet session will take place on Saturday, 1 October, at the Zone 1 Wharf Stage. As long as you have a valid Zone 1 ticket on that day, you’ll be able to see your favourite racers up close.
3. Enjoy an exciting entertainment line-up
Besides watching the races, the entertainment line-up at the F1 Singapore Grand Prix is also something to look forward to. One of the biggest music events of the year, the F1 concert in the padang stage within the Circuit Park has hosted crowds of up to 65,000 people during the pre-pandemic days.
From international stars to local talents, this year’s entertainment line-up features more than 40 music acts performing at various stages in the circuit park. Hip hop and rock reigns at this year’s Grand Prix, with performers including American rappers Black Eyed Peas, Australian rap sensation The Kid LAROI, Grammy award-winning R&B group TLC, classic British alternative band Suede and legendary rockers Wings from Malaysia.
If hip hop and rock aren’t your thing, keep your eyes (and ears) open for these international indie acts, including American indie pop band iDKHOW, Swedish-Gambian singer/songwriter Seinabo Sey and Kerala-based multilingual indie-folk alternative band When Chai Met Toast. Fans of alternative music, you’d be thrilled to know that Malaysian reggae band Salammusik, as well as Israeli electronic music project Garden City Movement will also be belting out their tunes at the event.
While international acts are heavyweights in this year’s entertainment lineup, local artists will also shine in the limelight. Stay tuned for rising stars like singer/songwriter INCH, hip-hop duo ihasamic! & Wovensound, homegrown rapper Shigga Shay, dancers ScRach MarcS, as well as the talented music producer and DJ WUKONG.
4. Project F1 HeARTland: Visit art installations by local artists
After a long night of fun, stop by these beautiful art installations as you take a relaxing stroll around the F1 Circuit Park. Project F1 HeARTland is a community art project, launched by the Singapore GP in collaboration with local artists 8EyedSpud, HAFI and children from Superhero Me, a non-profit inclusive arts group. On display are two special artworks representing passion and innovation, the spirit of Formula 1. You can check out the special art works on display in Zone 1 of the F1 Village.
Other highlights of the art installations include a one-of-a-kind paper sculpture installation by artist Dawn Koh, illuminating light art by installation artist Lee Wei Lieh of Very Small Exhibition, as well as a sustainable cardboard installation by Paper Carpenter. In addition, string art artist Adeline Loo of It Takes Balls will showcase a special glow-in-the-dark string art installation, featuring upcycled materials and waste fabric.
5. Party the night away
Cap off the fun weekend of Formula 1 races at these parties hosted at the hottest rooftop bars in Singapore.
CÉ LA VI Grand Prix Cyber Rally Weekend
The all-day parties (28 Sep to 2 Oct) at CÉ LA VI in Marina Bay Sands will feature an exciting slew of programs, exclusive menus and live performances by local talents and internationally-acclaimed DJs.
Indulge in the extensive menu, including a four-course dinner menu at the CÉ LA VI restaurant, late-night snacks at the refurbished Club Lounge and The Brunch Club weekend brunch menu. Savour curated tipples at the Sky Bar as you soak up the thrill of the Formula One races.
After a sumptuous dinner, take part in fun-filled activities such as giveaways, face painting, table swags and more.
Find out more: CÉ LA VI
LAVO Party Brunch: F1 Race Weekend with Gil Glaze
If you’re down to party over Sunday brunch, you wouldn’t want to miss the LAVO Party Brunch: F1 Race Weekend with Gil Glaze on 2 October at Marina Bay Sands. The party, helmed by Swiss pop/dance DJ will be held on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands, boasting picturesque views of the races happening around the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
Featuring LAVO’s signature Sunday Champagne Brunch and F1-themed dining specials, diners can lap up in the various food and beverage packages in store including bottomless champagne and free-flow buffet.
No party is complete without good music. In addition to the spectacular views and gourmet feast, DJ Gil Glaze will be turn up the festive spirit at the party. A Swiss-born producer and celebrated resident DJ of LAVO and MARQUEE New York, Glaze is known for his energetic EDM beats that will amp up the excitement of the Formula One season.
Find out more: LAVO Singapore