Words by Abigail Genevieve Tan
Anyone else who is not a fan of motorsports or celebrity sightings will tell you one other thing to look forward to every time the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix races into town: the after-parties.
From the super-exclusive Amber Lounge to the riotous rager of the Circuit Lounge, there is a get-drunk-and-party opportunity every corner you turn during the F1 season. With parties starting well before the actual three-day race, putting the pedal to the metal on the party circuit needs plenty of stamina and style.
So, take it from us: these five ways will turn your night out into one you will remember, way after all the G.H. Mumm champagne is emptied out on the winners’ podium.
1) Party with purpose
Look, it’s an F1 after-party. Whether it’s an official one or an F1-themed one, don’t go to one without at least having some form of knowledge of who you think should get pole position. Not that great when you can’t name an F1 driver at an F1 party or give your thoughts about that dreaded underpass between Turns 18 & 19 where crashes often occur. If you are at that party to catch an important celeb or F1 driver sighting, there is no need to play it cool when that said person arrives. Geek out all you want, even if it means squeezing in the crowds to get a photo.
Got a plan to party-hop? Think about where you want to end up dancing at — that usually gives you room to work backwards and hit the more social parties first where you can at least have a proper conversation without getting drowned out by the music. Somewhere with a bar-like setting is best — we recommend the standing tables at Podium Lounge or the bird’s eye view at 1-Altitude or Ku De Ta for a more chill vibe first before totally losing it at Amber Lounge, Circuit Lounge or Euphoria’s Duval Leroy bash.
2) Dress not to impress, but for the occasion
Suits are not going to cut it at clubs. I don’t know about you, but partying with a blazer that constricts movement is not very fun. There is no need to overthink your wardrobe for each party, but focus on two aspects to make it count: function and a statement piece. A bash at Tanjong Beach Club will call for swimwear with a bold colour or print. Kicking back with some whisky at the Johnnie Walker Circuit Lounge will require a snazzy vest or a slinky dress with a host of bracelets or a studded clutch.
Fashionistas, calm your farm: repeating outfits is completely fine as long as you are accessorizing it differently. Take a black jumpsuit and jazz it up with a white white-brimmed hat and rounded spectacles, then switch it up with a chunky gold necklace and a shiny minaudiere. Just don’t turn up in leather pants if you are going to be sweating the night away. Not cool to smell funky, yo.
3) Make an impact, socially (and on social)
If you must document your fabulous night out hobnobbing at these exclusive F1 parties, do it with style on social media. Take a classy shot of a glass of champagne or a glam shot of your posse. Focus on the awesome time you are having instead of the exclusive event you just happened to score invites to.
4) Booze makes the difference
Because at every party, the booze du jour oftentimes determines the vibe of the party. Johnnie Walker whisky is your best bet to go all-out bonkers at the Circuit Lounge, and Duval Leroy is the go-to for the Euphoria party at Marina Mandarin. Social parties are great starters to kick back with some choice wines or beers.
Of course, we always save the best for last: sparkling bubbly is a sign of the best way to party — classy and victorious. Expect a good flow of champagne, especially G.H. Mumm since it’s F1’s official champagne, at events like the Poolside Pitstop Party and the bash at Fullerton Bay Hotel’s rooftop bar Lantern.
5) Lap up the booze and have a good time
Sure, people from high-profile industries are all around you. But, they too are there for one reason: to lap up the booze and have a good time. So should you. Don’t worry so much about what social media will say the next day or whether your makeup is still tip-top. Relax, kick off those shoes and get in the moment. You might have had networking plans in mind, but those party heels are not going to click themselves.
If you must network and discuss business, do it on the social first or second drink. After the third, screw the pleasantries and rock it out. The rest will soon, too. If they keep looking, lap up the booze and scoot off somewhere else. Zouk is always a safe bet for a wild rager.
