Visiting a Formula 1 event has been on my bucket list for many years. I have always enjoyed watching the Formula 1 on television and have been obsessed with car shows – predominantly Top Gear – ever since I can remember. Before I moved to Singapore and was researching some events and potential trips to go on, I realised that the Singapore Grand Prix was happening in September, one month after I would make the big move. Being right at the start of recess week, I thought this was a perfect opportunity: to tick off a bucket list experience, in my favourite country.

I went onto the website, adrenaline rushing, to then see that the tickets were upwards of £500. I knew they were going to be expensive, but that really knocked me for six. I couldn’t justify that price and was only prepared to spend about £250 at the most. Therefore, I resolved to just attend the Qualifying on the Saturday, which for a walkabout ticket cost around £200. I was incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to go nonetheless: when I received the order confirmation, I must admit I did get a bit teary eyed! I knew, no matter what event I was going to, being able to attend a Formula 1 event in the world-famous Marina Bay area of Singapore was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

 

I knew, no matter what event I was going to, being able to attend a Formula 1 event in the world-famous Marina Bay area of Singapore was a once in a lifetime opportunity

The Singapore Grand Prix is not just special for me personally but is special by its very nature. It is the only Grand Prix race to be held in darkness. Whilst this may seem like a strange decision to make, when you see how much more magnificent the Singapore skyline looks lit up at night, it makes complete sense. I suspect, though, they hold it at night because it is also cooler. During September, the average temperature in Singapore reaches a toasty 31 degrees (not to mention the high humidity on top of that). Waiting until nightfall does allow the temperature to drop ever so slightly, making it marginally more bearable for spectators and drivers.

Nevertheless, people start arriving at around midday to make the most of their ticket. I arrived with my friends at around 13:00pm. The walk from the entrance to our ticketed walkabout section felt never-ending. However, we didn’t mind so much: yes, it was boiling hot, but our walk was right along the edge of the track with the breathtaking Singapore city skyline enclosing us in our little F1 bubble. This was made even more exhilarating when the Porche race was happening as we walked by the track.

While waiting for the qualifying to start, we toured the many events happening in Zone 4, the area we would spend most of our time in. The zone had swathes of bars and street food stalls selling everything from pizza to tacos to local delicacies such as chicken rice. As much as we wanted to try everything, the prices yet again stopped us in our tracks, with a small pizza being upwards of $40! We ventured over to the Wharf Stage where Kool & The Gang were performing. I’m confident we were the youngest people in the crowd, but nonetheless I had an absolute blast dancing to their uplifting music.

 

I’m confident we were the youngest people in the crowd, but nonetheless I had an absolute blast dancing to their uplifting music

Just next to the stage was a small stall manned by representatives of Plastify, a Singapore-based organisation educating the local community on the importance of recycling. With the help of the friendly and passionate team, we each made a keyring depicting the Singapore Grand Prix racetrack made from recycled plastic. Not only was this a fulfilling and fun activity, but it was also lovely to get a free souvenir of our F1 experience (a far cry from the $100 Singapore F1 t-shirts that were on sale!)

After this, and after spending much too long marvelling at the F1 World Championship trophy, we made our way to the track in search of a place to sit and watch the race. Luckily, we found a space right next to the start/finish line, where we could see the cars zoom pass, as well as the cars leaving the pit lane. We were surrounded by hard-core F1 fans, many of whom were very excitable, screaming and shouting drivers’ names and teams which we found quite comical.

As night fell, the race for pole position begun. As the cars started to gain traction, you could almost feel the ground shake as they sped past, not to mention how loud they were! The sound was incredible though, like an iconic Formula 1 sound. We made many attempts to film the cars driving past, but they were so fast that our hands could not move quick enough to film them drive past. Before we could turn our heads to continue filming the cars, they had already turned the corner and disappeared. Whilst many people criticise Formula 1 for being boring and predictable, being at the side of the track is much more exhilarating than watching it on television. At one point, there was huge crash which temporarily stopped the race. Whilst we were not near the crash site, we could see the damage on the screen in front of us – luckily nobody was hurt, perhaps other than the driver’s pride.

 

Whilst many people criticise Formula 1 for being boring and predictable, being at the side of the track is much more exhilarating than watching it on television

As the qualifying ended, with Lando Norris winning pole position, we rushed along with the other spectators onto the Formula 1 track. What we didn’t realise was that, after the race finished, we were able to walk on the track itself to exit the Formula 1 area. It was an unreal experience, with the track still being hot and stickered with pieces of rubber from the cars’ tyres. We felt like movie stars walking alone the track with the city’s bright lights illuminating us and our surroundings.

 

We felt like movie stars walking alone the track with the city’s bright lights illuminating us and our surroundings

Before leaving, we couldn’t miss out on Kylie Minogue’s performance on the Padang Stage. I was tired, sweaty, and stuck with a major case of frizzy hair, but I didn’t care. I danced and sung my heart out in the midst of yet another joyous atmosphere. This served as an unforgettable end to an equally unforgettable day. Yes, the price is high, and the day is long, but I can assure you it is an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

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