Singapore F1 Grand Prix 2010: The Parties

The Singapore Formula One Grand Prix is right around the corner and like years past, it feels like everyone is in on the festivities. Race aside, when it comes to partying, this island has never had it so wild or seen so much champagne imbibed (and sprayed) than the F1 weekend. So gear up, because I’m breaking down the parties you should be hitting up, especially if you want to rub shoulders with the drivers and celebrities who are flying in for the race. Be prepared though, the hottest tickets in town don’t come cheap.

Amber Lounge Singapore
www.amber-lounge.com

Organizer: Amber Lounge which was founded by Sonia Irvine, sister of ex-Ferrari F1 driver, Eddie Irvine.

Venue: Courtyard next to Millenia Tower and Temasek Water Wall

Celebrity Factor: This is where the A-list of the F1 circuit come to party. Being the sister of an F1 star, Sonia Irvine created Amber Lounge to give the drivers and team principals a familiar space to let their hair down without being harrassed by the hoi polloi. Last year, the Black Eyed Peas and the Backstreet Boys were also spotted at the tents. Don’t be surprised to see Mariah Carey holding court this year with a glass of champers in hand.

Highlights: This year the Amber Lounge Fashion Show comes to Singapore for the first time with Hervé Léger by Max Azria showcasing its new 2010/2011 Autumn Winter collection. Drivers like Jenson Button and their WAGs have modelled for the show in past years, so we can only imagine Nicole Scherzinger (Lewis Hamilton’s Pussycat Doll) in a skintight bondage dress. Haut.

Possibly overheard: “Hey Hamilton, cutting it a little close to the chicane today, eh?”

Price: The top price package goes for S$25,800 per table of 8 for a Jeroboam Table. That gets you prime seating, a 3-litre bottle of champagne, dedicated service and unlimited drinks all night long. Individual passes are available for S$860 with unlimited champagne and drinks.

The Official Lounge at Stereolab
www.stereolounge.sg

Organizer: Privé Group

Venue: Stereolab, Pan Pacific Hotel

Celebrity Factor: You probably won’t rub shoulders with as many F1 drivers here compared to Amber Lounge, but you can expect other bigwigs flying in for the race. Last year, celebritries that partied at The Official Lounge included Sir Richard Branson, watchmaker Franck Muller and Bernie Ecclestone.

Highlights: Stereolab is presenting a different party for every night beginning 23 September until Sunday’s final race. On Thursday, fashion label alldressedup showcases its 2010/2011 Autumn Winter collection at the Tribal Triumph party co-organized by The Link. Friday night sees Fashion TV hosting a party that will be aired across 193 countries. Modelizers take note! Saturday night is secured by the DBS Black American Express Card in a party for its cardholders and one or two golddiggers. Sunday night is the The Official After Party hosted by Suzy McCoppin. Who? Apparently she’s a Playboy columnist and small-time TV actress.

Possibly overheard: “Honey, stop eyeing that Russian model or I’m going to pour this glass of champagne down your Hugo Boss suit.”

Price: Table reservations begin at S$1,200 for a table of 6 inclusive of a bottle of Dom Perignon and a choice of Belvedere Vodka or Johnny Walker Black. Regular admission is S$80 which includes a glass of champagne.

The Podium Lounge
www.apesnap.com/event/podiumlounge

Organizer: B-Yond

Venue: Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Poolside

Celebrity Factor: BMW is a sponsor, but since there’s no longer an official BMW team (BMW Sauber-Ferrari isn’t really) we’re curious as to who will make an appearance. Otherwise, expect more B-list celebrities and socialites at this event — think ex-beauty queens, models and and the perpetual “VIP” crowd who are always on B-Yond’s invite list. Tatler magazine is also a sponsor this year, so perhaps the vibe will be less debaucherous and more chi chi.

Highlights: If you think the amount spent on something as frivolous as champagne during these three days is obscene, consider emptying your pockets for a charity auction of F1 memorabilia instead. Items up for bid include a limited edition photograph signed by the late Aryton Senna (minimum bid of S$12,350) and a G.H. Mumm Jeroboam (3-litre bottle) autographed by Lewis Hamilton, Timo Glock and Fernando Alonso (minimum bid of S$5,000). Yep, it’s champagne, but proceeds will be distributed to Dover Park Hospice and Ju Eng Home for Senior Citizens. Other highlights include a showcase of Roger Dubuis timepieces and a BMW M1 Hommage on display for the first time in Singapore.

Possibly overheard: “Is that a Birkin in the swimming pool?”

Price: The top table package goes for S$3988 for a table of 12 which includes two Jeroboams of G.H. Mumm champagne and three bottles of spirits. General entrance begins at S$118.

F1 at Ku De Ta
www.kudeta.com.sg

Organizer: Ku De Ta

Venue: Ku De Ta at Marina Bay Sands

Celebrity Factor: Unknown. Ku De Ta is set to open this week and this will be the first time the lifestyle brand is taking part in F1 festivities. We’re expecting lots of high-rollers who won’t bat an eye forking out jaw-dropping prices for the full-day packages and after parties. That, or people who just won a boatload of cash from the casino downstairs.

Highlights: Apart from having the entire Ku De Ta complex as your playground, get a bird’s eye view of the race from a nosebleed inducing height. Don’t forget your binoculars. If you can’t quite see the action, live screenings of the race will be available as well. All-day packages also offer free flow of gourmet food from their kitchen alongside the open bar. DJ legend Derrick May spins on Saturday night.

Possibly overhead: “Was that Alonso who just won the race? I can’t see from up here. Oh forget it, let’s just drink our money’s worth.”

Price: Full-day packages start from S$1,000 on Friday and go up to S$5,000 on Sunday from 3pm – 11pm with “free” entry to the after party. The after party starts at 11pm and fees vary with Sunday being the priciest. S$500 includes a glass of champagne or drink or S$2,500 for free flow of “super premium” drinks. Yes, those prices are per person. Drink up!