Reminiscing the 2019 Singapore Airlines Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix

It is the month of September again. A month that I’d have been so eagerly waiting to hear the sound of revving engines, admiring the automotive brand designs and nervously waiting to be amazed for a new race record to be set by my favorite sportsmen of the season.

Yes, it is the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix – a yearly event that Singapore has been hosting for the past 12 years. It is a porch event that is well-known to attract wealthy motorsport enthusiasts. The Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore clinched the deal with Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of the Formula 1 ® Company, back in 2008 which marks the birth of the first ever night race event in F1’s repertoire of international races across 22 countries [1]. Since it inauguration, the event has brought tremendous economic benefits with 90% of the race organization being sub-contracted to Singapore-based companies, 1.59x jump in visitors and generated S$1.5B in incremental tourism receipts [2, 3]. The cost of each F1 race per year is S$150M, of which 60% is paid by the Singapore Government and Singapore Grand Prix Pte Ltd to the rights holder i.e. Formula Administrations. Besides the lucrative 66% ROI from the sporting event year-on-year, the broad media coverage showcasing the vibrant downtown and stunning floodlit of the Marina Bay Circuit also exuberates a ripple effect in uplifting Singapore as an attractive travel destination by tourists of affluent countries.

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the race which was much anticipated to occur last weekend (18 – 20th Sept 2020) has been cancelled [4]. The announcement was made on the 12th June 2020 by F1 and its race promoters, citing delays in getting the infrastructure set-up, worldwide travel restrictions and safety concerns for the F1 marshals and spectators [5]. Organizing a closed door or ‘Ghosts races’ without spectators was considered as an inviable alternative as it didn’t make marketing and financial sense. The pandemic has caused immense paralysis on the entertainment industry and it is to my great dismay.

In order re-live the experience, I decided to craft a Vlog from my precious collection of footages taken during the Formula 1 night race LIVE at the Marina Bay Circuit last year. I remembered the night being filled with adrenaline, smell of octane, watching anxiously at the maneuvers of narrow chicane and feeling hyped by the sound of changing gears. Then, I was so privileged to have secured the race day (Sunday) tickets and was utterly swept away by the whole LIVE experience which was vastly disparate from watching the telecast. I ran from one spectator stand to another, ate overly-priced chicken wrap and wonton noodles and joining friendly tourists in filming the actions on the tracks. Weather conditions during the 2019 - 12th edition of the F1 night race - was slightly hazy due to the yearly forest fires in Indonesia, but this didn’t raise the difficulty bar for drivers as much as the heavy downpour that occurred in 2017, when the unforgettable collision among Ferrari Vettel, Ferrari Raikkonen and Red Bull Verstappen happened within seconds of the flag down [6]. Still unbelievable but it is wickedly spectacular to see the outward aggression for a spot at the championship.

Attending the Formula 1 event LIVE isn’t just about admiring those glossy painted cars and finding out the race results at the end of the night. It’s about jam-packing all the sights, sounds, smell and transforming them into 3 main faculties: 1) business models, 2) innovation and 3) psychology. Sounds deep. But that’s how I view this luxurious sporting event apart from its grand façade. 1) A good business model for it is one that generates margin, spur national publicity and economic incentives. 2) Innovation is in the DNA of Formula 1 and is what differentiates it from other motor sports. It embraces engineering superiority and high-tech computer aided tools to bring about better aerodynamic, fuel efficiencies and tyre grip for optimal race performance without compromising on the drivers’ health. 3) One would need the right mind-set to win the competition. The attitude of grit, spirit of team work and astute split-second judgement call are required of the drivers. 61 laps round the 5.063 km circuit that is prickled by the well-known ‘Singapore sling’ bend at turn 10; and which further compounded by the boiling Singapore climate cumulatively only permits the unwavering mind to clinch a spot at the podium. Such perseverance and courage is admirable. The participating F1 teams amaze me every time whenever I witness the actions at the paddock – the radio conversations, heating pads, lifting pads, tyre change etc. These are the fundamental attributes of the F1 race that had captivated me. As an excitement seeker who enjoys the screeching turn of events, the pole position doesn’t guarantee a win on race day and this has always left me wanting more.

When the F1 season arrives in Singapore every September, I couldn’t help but feel this sense of pride for what Singapore has achieved. The circuit literally illuminates the visually striking landmarks of Singapore’s CBD: The Singapore Flyer, Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands, The DNA Helix bridge etc., all being displayed in their own unique glory and collectively identifies a successful first-world country state. Thanks to the hard work of our generations.

Interestingly, Singapore GP also share my nostalgic sentiments for the annual F1 event. They launched a new contest section on their webpage called the ‘My Singapore GP stories: Rewind’ recently which allows ex-attendees of the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix to pin their F1 memories on their virtually interactive F1 circuit map. I was elated to share mine too! It is really a good idea to bring the fan base together and reconnect. If you are like me who misses the Singapore GP, come join me down this memory lane with my Vlog to reminisce the Pre-COVID time of the Singapore Airlines Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix (Year 2019) - a time when we could still wander freely at the Marina Bay while enjoying the on-shore breeze caress our cheeks without an obstructive mask.

Hit me up with a LIKE to support my production. Stay safe and be vigilant always.

References:

1. Times, T.F. Singapore and F1 sign new 5-year contract. 2012; Available from: https://www.ft.com/content/a2f3df52-053a-11e2-bce8-00144feabdc0.

2. MOTORSPORT. Why Innovations Matter in F! - and always should. 2011; Available from: https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/february-2011/81/why-innovation-matters-f1-and-always-should.

3. TIMES, T.B. Covid-19 puts the brakes on this year's F1 Singapore Grand Prix. June 2020; Available from: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/life-culture/covid-19-puts-the-brakes-on-this-years-f1-singapore-grand-prix.

4. RACEFANS. 2020 F1 calendar. 2020; Available from: https://www.racefans.net/2020-f1-season/2020-f1-calendar/.

5. TIMES, T.S. Singapore, F1 cancel night race 2020 over Covid-19 restrictions. Jun 2020; Available from: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/formula-one/singapore-f1-cancel-night-race-2020-over-covid-19-restrictions.

6. PAPER, T.N. Wet and wild on Marina Bay as top F1 drivers crash out. Sept 2017; Available from: https://www.tnp.sg/sports/others/wet-and-wild-marina-bay-top-f1-drivers-crash-out.