Tales Of F1mania*: Picking A Bet/Picking A Fight.
*In which I shall share snippets of (hilarious/sad/weird/random) stories garnered from my years of being a Formula 1 fan.
It was my first-ever F1 Grand Prix–I travelled to Singapore with a friend to attend the 2009 F1 Night Race and we were in Orchard Road, browsing in one of the Official Merchandise stalls.
I picked a Ferrari Kimi Raikkonen cap and a Red Bull Sebastian Vettel cap. While I was paying for them, I decided to make small talk with the sales guy:
"Who do you think will win this race?" I asked casually.
"Jenson Button. Or maybe Rubens Barrichello. Yeah, I'm gonna go with Barrichello." The sales guy with a thick German accent confidently replied.
"Really? Well, I'm gonna go for Kimi Raikkonen." I countered with pride.
"Kimi Raikkonen?! Oh, come on. You really think a Ferrari stands a chance in this race?!" (Maybe) German guy laughingly replied.
The other Caucasian males manning the booth with him were all smiling politely, but I could tell they totally agreed with Maybe German Guy. I looked to my friend for support, but being a non-F1 fan, he just shrugged at me, as if to say, "I'm not getting dragged into this."
"Anything is possible with Kimi." I haughtily declared as I snatched my bag of caps from him.
"Uh-huh." Clearly, the conversation was over.
In the end, neither of us were correct, as Lewis Hamilton of McLaren won the 2009 F1 Night Race.
But, whose bet is still in Formula One now, huh?
I like having the last word.
Date Jan 23, 2016
Tags 2009 f1 night race, 2009 singapore gp, brawn gp, f1, f1 night race, ferrari, formula one, jenson button, kimi raikkonen, lewis hamilton, mclaren, red bull, rubens barrichello, sebastian vettel, singapore gp, tales of f1mania
Introducing The F1 Class of 2015: Game Of Thrones-style.
After I started watching the HBO Masterpiece Game of Thrones, I now categorize people into two sections:
1. People who love Game of Thrones and; 2. People who have no idea yet how much they're going to love Game of Thrones.
The show, adapted from George R.R. Martin's series of books titled A Song Of Ice And Fire, contains drama, sex, wars, power plays, politicking, violence, and hedonism, among others. What's not to love? Also, doesn't it sound a lot like the world of Formula One that we love (and hate)?
And so this season, I have decided to imagine F1 in terms of the GoT World. Shall we get to know the main characters who shall contest the Iron Throne…er, the 2015 WDC?
House Hamilton
Led by: Lord Lewis Hamilton
Liege to the Realm of Mercedes
House words:
"Only God Can Judge Me."
He is the current ruler who the rest will do their best to dethrone. His swagger is immeasurable. His temper flares, unpredictable. And he's too #Blessed to care what other people think of him. Stay pressed.
House Rosberg
Led by: Lord Nico Rosberg
"The Pretty Remembers."
Beneath that blonde gleam is steel. Valyrian steel. Don't provoke him and make him channel his inner Lannister, this heir to the 1986 F1 WDC is both beauty and brains and he knows how to play this game pretty damn well.
House Ricciardo
Led by: Lord Daniel Ricciardo
Liege to the Realm of Red Bull Racing
"We Do Not Frown."
This Aussie's biggest, and possibly most baffling weapon in his armory, is none other than his ability to maintain a smile upon his face. Do not be fooled by it and be lulled into thinking he is a racing pushover, for you just might wake up his alter ego, the honey badger.
House Kvyat
Led by: Lord Daniil Kvyat
"A Russian Always Pays His Debts."
He may be young, but you would not want to mess with this one. His teenage looks belie the ice (vodka?) in his veins, and while it is easy to dismiss him as one of those entitled, backed-by-wealth racers, he has already shown flashes of brilliance that neither money, nor political influence, can acquire.
House Vettel
Led by: Lord Sebastian Vettel
Liege to the Realm of Ferrari
"The Finger Is Coming."
Having been dethroned after ruling this racing kingdom for four straight years, Sebastian has switched allegiances and is now ready to take back what was once his. Can he channel his inner Targaryen and restore House Vettel's prestige? Watch out for the Finger, it may have been down, but it's certainly not out.
House Raikkonen
Led by: Lord Kimi Raikkonen
"Racing. Fishing. Screwing."
Way before his now infamous quote, "Leave me alone, I know what I'm doing." the verbose (not) Finn has already made it known what his life priorities are (actually, that's what he said Finns pretty much do). And who can blame him? Sounds like a life truly worth living. Carry on being you, Kimi.
House Alonso
Led by: Lord Fernando Alonso
Liege to the Realm of McLaren-Honda
"Scheming Strong."
There is no one more savvy on the grid when it comes to politics and psych wars than our beloved Fernando. He makes hardcore politicians and champion chess players look like amateurs compared to his tireless tactics. Could he be F1's very own Peter Baelish, aka Littlefinger? Think you can stay one step ahead of him? He's already plotting your downfall as you read this. So good luck. And better leave him space.
House Button
Led by: Lord Jenson Button
"Get A Grip."
Our Jenson is like a Tyrell—rich (in racing talent), popular and attractive but seemingly lacking in ruthlessness that is necessary to claim the throne in not-so-perfect conditions (i.e, not having the ideal/dominant car). His time may be running out soon so he'll want to up the ante, lessen the groans and grind it out each race. And with a teammate like Fernando, it's more than necessary for him to watch his back!
House Massa
Led by: Lord Felipe Massa
Liege to the Realm of Williams Racing
"Uncrowned. Unbent. Unbroken. For Sure."
He was World Champion for a few precious seconds in 2008, until…he wasn't. Still, despite a change in teams, this peppy Brazilian has not given up on that crown and is still actively contributing to the number of "For sures" in every article/press release.
House Bottas
Led by: Lord Valtteri Bottas
"See Me Soar."
Because he is the new Flying Finn. Get it?! Besides, we should know by now that Finns would rather show than tell.
House Hulkenberg
Led by: Lord Nico Hulkenberg
Liege to the Realm of Sahara Force India
"As Tall As Talent."
He stands out in the paddock for more than just his height, and yet he is still waiting for that Eureka Moment (i.e, a top team to sign him up) to arrive. Nico is like a Lord in the Vale: Well-regarded, yet often overlooked and vastly underestimated.
House Perez
Led by: Lord Sergio Perez
"I Don't Know Nothing."
People are quick to criticize Sergio when he makes on-track mistakes, but they forget that he was a podium finisher twice in his young F1 career now and has proven he can dice with the best of them.
House Verstappen
Led by: Lord Max Verstappen
Liege to the Realm of Scuderia Toro Rosso
"The Seed Is Strong."
Father Jos may not have set the world of F1 alight, but the son has already set the record for being the youngest-ever F1 driver in history at the age of 17. Max has been touted by pundits and insiders alike to be the 2015 Rookie to watch out for. Premature hype? Watch Lord Max prove his critics wrong.
House Sainz
Led by: Lord Carlos Sainz Jr.
"Fire In (Spanish) Blood."
He is not the offspring of the Carlos Sainz for nothing. And he has already shown that he is not scared of going wheel-to-wheel with veterans and newbies alike. Could this hombre be out to dethrone Fernando Alonso as the Great Spanish Hope? I smell a n F1 Kingslayer in training…
House Maldonado
Led by: Lord Pastor Maldonado
Liege to the Realm of Lotus
"Ours Is The Notoriety."
You know you've made it into F1 Infamy when you have your very own website dedicated to your on-track snafus: http://www.haspastormaldonadocrashedtoday.com
Nevertheless, let us not forget that this is the last driver to have won a race that is not from Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes or McLaren. There is clearly talent there, but hey, good on Pastor for owning his notoriety so well that it's only a matter of time before critics can't use it against him anymore.
House Grosjean
Led by: Lord Romain Grosjean
"Mistakes Are Wind."
Who are you calling "1st Lap Nutcase"? Romain has surprisingly shed this infamous nickname this past couple of seasons and has emerged a calmer, more…subdued racer. But to be honest, more than a few fans are missing the ballsy Romain of old. Lets' hope he finds that precocious balance between calm and ballsy this year and regains a valuable place in the pecking order.
House Ericsson
Led by: Lord Marcus Ericsson
Liege to the Realm of Sauber
"Stealth Is Wealth."
Hands up if you still remember what Ericsson achieved last season and what team he drove for. Anyone? Well, what is important is that he is still on the grid, waiting for that one chance where he can do something spectacular that will make the racing world remember his name once again.
House Nasr
Led by: Lord Felipe Nasr
"It Is Known (I Am My Own Felipe)."
It is not easy to enter F1 when the name Felipe is automatically connected to Massa, but this seasoned young racer is already debunking the "there can only be one" memes out there with his early results. Can he sustain this good fortune and win the Battle of Felipes this season? Stay tuned.
House Stevens
Led by: Lord Will Stevens
Liege to the Realm of Manor GP
"Now My Race Has Begun."
After a lot of…roadblocks and difficulties, Stevens has finally made his proper F1 debut, and already had a race finish under his belt! Now the question is, until when can he extend his stay and can he do the impossible and fill the boots of Jules Bianchi?
House Merhi
Led by: Lord Roberto Merhi
"A Start Is A Start."
His future in F1 is as unknown as Jon Snow's parentage, but perhaps Merhi can take comfort in the adage, "Enjoy the present, for it is a gift." Take it one race at a time, and let's see where that leads…
Which House will win the F1 Game Of Thrones 2015?
All I know is that: All Men Must…Race.
Tags carlos sainz jr., daniel ricciardo, daniil kvyat, f1, f1 2015, f1 does game of thrones, f1 game of thrones, f1 game of thrones style, felipe massa, felipe nasr, fernando alonso, force india, formula one, jenson button, kimi raikkonen, lewis hamilton, lotus, manor gp, marcus ericsson, max verstappen, mclaren honda, mercedes gp, nico hulkenberg, nico rosberg, pastor maldonado, red bull racing, roberto merhi, romain grosjean, sauber, scuderia ferrari, sebastian vettel, sergio perez, toro rosso, valtteri bottas, whatthef1, will stevens, williams martini
Introducing the F1 Class of 2014: Through Twitter-Style Poems*.
(*Expressed in exactly 140 Characters.)
A new F1 season is upon us yet again, and it is time to get to know the new and not-so-new 22 fellas who shall amaze, inspire, irk, annoy, baffle, confound and emotionally-torture us for one whole year through an exercise of brevity otherwise known as the medium of Twitter-style Poetry:
Seb is a champ, that much is known
He may be flawed, & he damn can own
His job: to race, to fight, to win
Being talented isn't a sin.
RBR's new guy is called Dan
To the Aussies, he's the man
His smile can be seen from outer space
But he's serious as heck in a race
Multi 31?
He does all he can
Just let him drive, man
Don'tcha wish your driver's H.A.M like him?
Who chases a win even if chances are slim?
Peace out.
The dilemma of Nico
Is to downplay looks that makes fans go loco
From the track to the pitwall
He's the fairest of them all
Mind the talent!
They call him Kimster
Poker-faced Finnish gangster
Cold as fire, hot as ice
Mind his mumblings, they're quite wise
He knows what he's doing.
The Samurai of Formula 1
His brand of tactics? 2nd to none
You must always give him space
Or get a taste of his gameface
Psych wars, ahead!
This lad's quite spiffy in the wet
And he's the Brits' 2nd bet
On track he employs stealth
Off track he values health
Give him proper grip!
This McLaren rookie named Kevin
May be young, but he ain't messin'
First race, p2, this Dane is great
Will a WDC be in his fate?
1st lap nutcase, Smiley Giraffe
That once made plenty on-track gaffe
He was mellowed by his son
& now he is Lotus' de facto no.1
He may have a reputation
That he brings on-track aggravation
So now this Venezuelan laddie
Has become F1's fave baddie
What will he do next?
Talent & potential? He sure has them
Eye of the Tiger should be his anthem
Hulk is his nickname
Intense racing is his game
Elephant Balls.
He was on a high then on a low
A bad year doesn't mean this lad's slow
New team & new chance for Checo
His partner? Superfast Nico
He missed out on an RBR drive
But with STR he'll continue to strive
Step up JEV & prove your worth
You just might have a racing rebirth
Daniil may look wet between the ears
But he races with no fears
He deftly stole Vettel's record
Without causing any discord
Doubt-dispeller.
Felipe Massa
For years he was Smedley's guy
A bromance/partnership money can't buy
New team, new start & new hope
Let's see if Felipe can cope
Stay cool.
Cool when needed, nerves of steel
This Finn's steady behind the wheel
A hashtag? He is so much more
Ready to show what he has in store
He's the odd German out
Who doesn't hold much clout
The other 3 are going rampant
He doesn't need to go stagnant
Find the fight, Adrian!
Esteban Gutierrez
He can rival Nando's eyebrows
Had mild highs & rather bum lows
Sophomore year for young Esteban
Can he become Sauber's main man?
Now the Banzai Power is back
Expect to see an all-out attack
Kamui's sweet but he's also spicy
His on-track tactics? Borderline dicey
Push!
He's the new Swede on the block
Eager to show he's fast on the clock
He gets to race a car so green
Can he get points, is he that keen?
The 3rd Frenchman of the lot
He hasn't yet shown all that he's got
Push on, Jules & just drive
You can keep your points dream alive
Max Chilton
This lad Max is a noob no more
Time to show us what he's got in store
Yes he can finish every race
But a point sure would be ace
Step it up!
P.S. If you want legit profiles, Google is your friend.
Date Apr 2, 2014
Tags adrian sutil, daniel ricciardo, daniil kvyat, esteban gutierrez, f1, f1 2014, f1 2014 drivers, felipe massa, fernando alonso, formula one, jean-eric vergne, jenson button, jules bianchi, kamui kobayashi, kevin magnussen, kimi raikkonen, lewis hamilton, marcus ericsson, max chilton, nico hulkenberg, nico rosberg, pastor maldonado, romain grosjean, sebastian vettel, sergio perez, valtteri bottas, whatthef1
The Bouncebackable Guide: The A-Z Of Attending The F1 Singapore Night Race.
So you want to experience the first and only night race in the Formula One Calendar? Congratulations! You've made a very wise decision, indeed. However, no F1 fan (whether you are a GP virgin or not) should embark on a journey unprepared. Be not afraid, for help is right here!
While I'm most certainly not an expert, I would still like to share some tips and tricks I've accumulated throughout my numerous years (2009-2012, 2015 ) of attending this GP. So be prepared to sacrifice an hour's worth of your life (or just minutes, if you're a speed-reader) if you're serious about maximizing your F1 Night Race experience.
Ready, steady, GO!
Let me veer away from alphabetical order for a bit just to state this very important tip: Do not be afraid to ask questions! If you know of any fellow fans (real-life or virtual) who've been there, then drop them a line and let them know that you need their help. F1 fans and Singaporeans (natives and residents alike) are quite helpful, so if you need help with anything, whether GP-related or not, do not hesitate to ask.
Singapore's Changi Airport is world-famous for being one of the travelers' most-preferred airports, and with good reason. It is well-designed, extremely clean, organized, and just 1000 shades of awesome (it has a pool, for goodness' sake!). It will seriously make you change the way you look at airports. It takes around 30-40 minutes to get to the city from the airport, and transportation choices abound, so there really is virtually no hassle waiting for you once you touch down in Singapore.
The F1 Night Race has its very own app, specially designed to enhance and improve your GP experience. You can download it for Apple devices HERE and for Android devices HERE .
Personally, I like the app named Singapore Map by Streetdirectory because it not only helps me navigate through the city but it also provides up-to-date information on public transportation and even fare prices. You can download it for Apple devices HERE and for Android devices HERE .
Pack light for your trip on-track. Just bring your essentials like your camera, mobile phone, hotel key, wallet, and the like. You're going to be doing loads of walking so it's not the best of ideas to bring your shopping bags with you when you enter the circuit.
Please make sure to read the tiny brochure included with your race ticket (or take a free circuit map outside the track) and read up in advance on what you can and cannot bring inside the track. Also, there's a mandatory baggage search before you enter the circuit, so spare the security guys the tedium of going through your life's belongings and shopping, okay?
Note: I have to admit, I always break this rule because I cannot seem to function without having a capacious handbag with me. However, I always make sure to make a pit stop back to my hotel to drop off all my shopping before I proceed to the track. Trust me, you will function better and enjoy more if you have 2 hands available.
Fans are allowed to bring banners or flags in support of drivers and teams, but they are not allowed to be tied/mounted on railings.
*Please contact the organizers if you plan to bring huge banners or flags, to make sure they will be allowed inside the track.
No one is going to tell you off for making some noise, so go ahead and express your support for your fave driver/s! But, don't get too over-excited, either. Basically, know when to cheer and know when to jeer (if you're brave enough!). Also, there will be certain parts of the track that will be extremely crowded, mainly the passageways from one Zone to another and bridgeways/exit points, so always be nice and polite to your fellow F1 fans and mind the queues!
Dress appropriately. It will be hot and humid in the afternoon, and after the sun sets, it can even turn a little chilly, especially in the areas close to the bay. Now is not the time to channel your inner fashionista, especially if you have walkabout tickets. Comfort is key, especially with your choice of footwear, as you will be walking on different materials and terrain and standing for several hours. Wear light and breathable shirts. Bring an extra one, if you sweat a lot. Believe me, once you're there, you'll thank me for this.
Live commentary will be heard throughout the whole track (via 102FM), so even if you're not within eyesight of a wide-screen, you'll still be able to keep up with drivers' positions and everything relevant that is happening on- and off-track.
*You can now buy headsets that provide commentary inside the track.
Companion/s
To go solo or to bring companions? This can be a bit of a sticky situation. For the 1st 3 years that I've attended this GP, I've brought companions with me, and while I enjoyed spending time with them, the truth is that they're not as huge of an F1 fan as I am, so I had to take into consideration their feelings/interests. As a result, I didn't get to 100% explore and enjoy the circuit offerings. I went alone for 2012 and 2015, and found that I quite enjoyed the experience, because I got to move around freely, quickly and was somehow "forced" to interact with fellow fans—in a good way. So yes, this is quite subjective, depends on you really on how you'd like to experience the GP weekend.
Want to win goodies or get the chance to meet your favourite drivers in person? Then vigilantly check the drivers' and teams' Twitter and Facebook accounts as well as their official websites on news regarding contests and promos. You can also check out the accounts of their major sponsors. Check regularly and join as many as you can! Good luck!
Drivers' Autograph Session
Unlike the other GPs, the autograph session for the Singapore GP operates quite differently. Yes, it does occur and is not just a myth, but from my understanding, you have to be a winner in one of their promos in order to attend this super-exclusive event. If you have already purchased tickets, check your email regularly and be on the lookout for the one promoting the contest to win tickets for this event—all you have to do is to do submit your ticket transaction number, cross your fingers and hope with all your heart that you win those much-coveted passes.
Driver-Spotting
So you've joined all the contests, but didn't win any? Don't fret, not all hope is lost. You can still see your favourite driver/s in person using several ways:
Refer to Contests above and then note the times and locations of their PR events. Go to the said locations and try to catch them when they arrive or when they leave.
F1 teams usually book the same hotels every year, so use your best sleuthing skills and again, try to catch the drivers when they're about to leave or enter the hotel. This is a bit tricky, as I'm sure hotel personnel may become strict with fans interrupting/ambushing the drivers.
Work out the Gate/s nearest the hotels where the drivers stay, and try to catch them before they enter and exit the track (Hint: Check the circuit map and zoom in on the Gate near the Ritz-Carlton).
If your ticket allows it, wait outside the Paddock/VIP entrance in Zone 1 and try to catch the drivers there before they enter or leave. Just make sure to behave and not to be too aggressive so as not to provoke the ire of security.
Keep your eyes peeled! I once chanced upon then-Force India test driver Nico Hulkenberg on a taxi queue outside a shopping mall (Yes, he very politely queued up with his companions and weirdly enough, nobody else recognized him but me!). The city isn't that big so if you know where to look, you're bound to find members of the F1 circus!
Note: From experience, I've found that drivers respond better to fans who are calm and polite, so keep your emotions in check and try not to be too excited when interacting with the drivers. Oh, and don't forget to thank them after they sign your stuff and pose for photos!
Nico Rosberg at the Puma pop-up store outside Raffles City Mall (2012 Night Race).
Jenson Button at the Tag Heuer store opening at Wisma Atria, along Orchard Road (2012 Night Race).
Hulk signing stuff for fans (2015).
Drivers' Track Parade
This occurs at 18:30 on the race day, and one of the good things about the Night Race is that the drivers are given their own vintage car to ride around the track, they're not just lumped into a single truck, so the fans will get to see each driver more. From experience, if you position yourself in one of the sparsely-populated areas (like some viewing platforms on Zones 2 and 3) during the parade, you can stay really close to the barriers, and if you're brave enough, you can shout your fave drivers' name as they pass by to get them to acknowledge you. I've done that a couple of times, and it works, honestly!
Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher during the 2012 Night Race's Drivers' Track Parade.
The drivers during the 2015 parade
You need them. Without question*. Don't even attempt to be cool or hipster or macho because your eardrums will be mercilessly assaulted by the roar of the engines. I always bring my own pair, but just in case you forget, you can always pick up a pair at convenience stores for a couple of dollars or buy the "Survival Kit" on track, which consists of a pair of earplugs and a plastic poncho. Proceeds go to charity so you're hitting 2 birds with 1 stone.
(*Now that the V8 era is over and the V6 engines rule, the roar isn't as fierce as they once were. However, that doesn't mean that you can forego wearing earplugs. Better safe than sorry!)
There's no shortage of entertainment options around the circuit park. Go around the F1 Village and you'll spend hours shopping, amusing yourself, or even getting to meet some like-minded petrol heads.
Check out this guy channeling his inner Ferrari driver (2015).
Keep your eyes peeled for the firework show at the end of the race. They're always spectacular and a memorable way to cap off the race and to signal the start of the all-night Sunday partying!
Book early! Diligently monitor the websites of your fave airlines, sign up for e-newsletters or download apps like Skyscanner to get the best deals on flights going to Singapore. The earliest I've booked my flights for the GP was during a seat sale on a January, but I know of some fans who've booked their flights as early as November of the previous year! So do your research and remember to read the fine print and the terms & conditions of your flight details, just in case you need to make necessary/emergency changes.
Based on personal experience, if you're returning home on the Monday after the GP, do not book a flight earlier than 8 am local time. Leave ample time for you and your companions to enjoy everything the track has to offer before you head back to your hotel and pack everything up. Trust me, it is not fun to be speed-packing with barely an hour's worth of sleep just to catch a very early flight the next morning!
Food and drinks are more expensive inside the track. That's a fact. Bottled water, for example, are priced twice, even thrice as much as those sold in convenience stores, so my advice is to buy your water outside (each person is allowed to bring up to 500mL of bottled water inside the track) if you want to save on cash. As for food, if your ticket allows it, you can head over to the Singapore Flyer and try the different food stalls there. If you're a Zone 4 ticket holder, exit through Gate 3 or Gate 7/8 and head over to the nearby malls to find more affordable nosh. If you're not a heavy eater like I am, you can just bring some energy bars and/or granola bars to tide you over.
On raceday, there will be some areas where the race marshals will generously give away extra bottled water. Usually, they are the sparsely-populated areas in Zones 2 or 3. I've experienced this twice and my advice is, even if you already have some water with you, accept an extra bottle still, because believe me, you will need to rehydrate yourself during and after the race.
If you run out of water in a part of the track that's far away from a beverage stand, please do not hesitate to approach a race marshal and politely ask for some bottled water.
Free Practice Sessions
FP1 is on Friday at 18:00-19:30 local time; FP2 is on later at 21:30-23:00 local time while FP3 is on Saturday at 18:00-19:30 local time. Practice sessions are a great time to move around the track to try to find the best vantage points, and also to practice and improve your photo- and video-taking skills.
I'm a creature of habit, and to be honest, I've only ever used 3 gates in my 4 years of attending this GP: Gates 2, 3 and 7/8. Gate 2, I've used to exit the track after "stalking" the drivers, Gate 3 to check out the track early in the afternoon after claiming my tickets (it's just a stone's throw away from the Swissotel Stamford), and Gate 7/8 has always been my preferred entry/exit point, mainly because you have to go through several shopping malls to get there after you get off the City Hall train station (multitasking for the win!).
Study the circuit map and choose your entry/exit points in advance, to save time and effort.
Note: The organizers sometimes reassign Gate numbers, so do check the updated Circuit Map for reference.
Interior view of Gate 7.
Located in Zone 2. My favorite place to: hang out in/rest my legs/have a bite to eat/update my social media sites/people-watch in-between practice/qualifying sessions. Lots of race marshals like to hang out there to rest, too.
View of the Greek Theatre.
Hawker's Centers
Singapore is a foodie paradise, and if you want to experience the rich culinary offerings of the LionCity, then definitely go to one of the numerous hawker's centers around the city and eat, drink and be merry! A lot of them stay open until the wee hours of the morning, so you'll have plenty of time to get your cravings satisfied.
Heat and Humidity
Singapore is a tropical country, and you will be subjected to different levels of heat and humidity throughout the race weekend. As previously mentioned under Clothing, dress appropriately, don't forget to put on your sun cream, and remember to constantly hydrate yourself!
Hotels/Hostels
Hotels and hostels apparently report close to 90+% occupancy rates during the race weekend, so make sure to book your accommodation early, to save on rates as well. Regularly check websites such as booking.com, agoda.com, expedia.com, etc. to get news on room sales and get the best deals. If you have a certain chain of hotel that you're loyal to, it may be a better idea to book directly through them or their website, as they will be less strict on cancellations or rebookings. Remember that the closer the hotel is to the track, the more expensive their rates will be. However, take note that the city is not that large, so definitely don't discount the hotels/hostels that may not necessarily be near the track, because with their very efficient transport system, I can guarantee that you won't spend more than an hour (at worst) to get to the track and back to your hotel. Alternatively, check out the offerings at Airbnb.
There's no free wifi inside the track, so if you're on a foreign service provider and don't want to be shocked by overseas roaming charges, then I suggest you buy a prepaid SIM card from a local service provider, whether in the airport, convenience stores, or mobile phone shops. They're speedy, reliable, and cheap too.
Finnish driver also known as the Iceman. Known to be one of the most-difficult drivers to track down during the race weekend. If you do manage to find out which hotel he is billeted in (hint: it's usually the same one every year), then your best chance to see him up close or to get his autograph is to patiently wait outside his hotel and catch him when he goes out of the hotel to go to the track or vice-versa.
Note: He now does a lot of PR Events for Ferrari and their sponsors, so do check their social media accounts to find out how to (possibly) see the Iceman up close.
One of the more famous tourist spots in Singapore. It's also where the country's only 24-hr shopping mall, Mustafa Centre, is located.
Ushers inside and outside the track will be handing out maps throughout the race weekend. Get not just one but a couple or more, so you can always refer to it, use it to fan yourself, and even use it as emergency seating when you want to rest your legs.
You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to racing-related merchandise not just during the GP weekend but pre- and post- GP weekend as well. Official merchandise shops will be present along Orchard Road as well as in several areas inside the track. There will also be numerous pop-up stores inside and outside other major shopping malls. Prepare yourself, though—official merchandise are most certainly not cheap.
Some of the merchandise stalls inside the circuit park (2012).
One of the GP Merchandise Stores along Orchard Road (2012).
Official Singapore GP Merchandise stall (2015).
Miscellaneous Travel Tips
Do not forget to bring extra three-prong travel adaptors for your electronics.
Singapore, like the UK and Japan, drives on the right-hand side. Be careful when you cross the street and look both ways twice!
Please use the zebra crossing when you cross the street. I always see a lot of foreigners disregard them and it makes me cringe because it's not very respectful to a country that works hard to maintain order.
Bring a pair of mini-binoculars if you really want to see the F1 cars/drivers up close. I have a set of folding mini-binoculars and it's always interesting to use them when I watch the cars race as you get an extreme close-up of so many fascinating things.
Don't forget to wear sunscreen! It may be a night race, but no doubt that you'll be exploring the city during the day as well and if you're an 'early bird' like me, you'll be arriving on-track way before the sun sets–so avoid the unsightly tan lines and possible sunburns and remember that you'll be in the tropics. Better safe than sorry!
Musical acts are usually announced and confirmed 3-4 months before the GP. However, 2 or 3 major acts are also usually revealed during the Early Bird Ticket Sales Phase.
Singapore's famous shopping district. If you're a shopaholic, then you'd definitely love it. However, even if you're not a fan of shopping, this place absolutely comes alive during the GP week, so it's definitely worth checking out because it will be teeming with loads of interesting exhibits and activities!
Padang Stage
This is where the major musical acts will play on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the race weekend. It's a bit of a walk from Zone 1, so if you want to get a good place to watch the musical acts, then you'd better be prepared to channel your inner Road Runner!
Some fans who want to get prime locations for the musical concerts actually camp out in Padang early and just watch the race there via the wide screens.
Want to satisfy your inner paparazzi? Then head to the area just outside the Paddock Entrance/Exit (if your ticket allows it) and see the who's who of F1, motorsport and the media pass right before your eyes. Try to stay cool and be friendly to the security, so you won't get shooed away.
Defending Champ Sebastian Vettel signs for fans outside the Paddock Entrance (2012).
7x WDC Michael Schumacher signs for fans outside the Paddock Entrance (2012).
Nico Rosberg chats with fans (2015).
Petrol Ed
He's like The Stig, only he's Singaporean and yeah, he's the F1 Night Race's beloved "mascot". Try to find him around the circuit and take creative photos with him, and you might stand a chance to win some cool prizes!
Photography/ Photographic Equipment
Tripods and monopods are not allowed in the grandstands, only in the general walkabout zones.
I'm no expert when it comes to taking photos or videos, so it might be a good idea to ask your tech-savvy/photography buff friends for tips in advance on taking photos of high-speed objects such as F1 cars. I can confirm, however, that using my Lumix camera's "Burst Mode" was extremely helpful whenever I took photos of the F1 cars in action. Oh, and when in doubt, just switch to video mode.
Podium Ceremonies
If you're a Pit Grandstand ticket holder, then you'll pretty much get a clear view of the post-race podium ceremonies. If you have Premier Walkabout Tickets, then get yourself to the area nearest the start straight several laps before the end of the race, because after the chequered flag is waved and all of the cars have been brought to parc ferme, the marshals will open a gate there and allow the fans to "invade" the track and watch the podium ceremonies up close. It really is worth the trek (and barrier-climbing experience), as the atmosphere there is quite incredible.
The 2012 Podium Finishers.
Think the action stops at the dance of the chequered flag? Wrong! The party's just beginning! Do the track walk, search for tyre marbles and/or crash debris, take as many photos as you can, and then head on over to the Fan Village to watch the concerts, ogle the cars at the vintage car display, channel your inner F1 driver by trying out the simulators, or what the heck, even get a motorsport-related tattoo (temporary, of course)! There are absolutely loads to do and check out so just…start walking!
PR Events
They are usually held on the Wednesday or Thursday of the GP week, all after 12 noon local time (see Time zone for explanation). If you want to see the drivers up close then diligently check the schedules for their PR events (see Social Media for helpful links).
This starts at 21:00 local time on the Saturday and lasts an hour. Usually, it takes a while for the stands and viewing platforms to fill up because a lot of people leave the track after the FP3 to head to the nearby malls to have dinner.
Race Officials
Would you like to try the awesome, possibly life-changing experience of being a race official in the F1 Night Race? Then check this LINK regularly for updates on how to apply!
There are a sufficient number of restrooms around the track, but my tip is: go and use one already before the race/qualifying/practice sessions. They can become quite congested and the queues annoyingly long after the sessions, so save yourself the trouble and force yourself to use one in advance.
For the picky ones: If you're in Zone 4, then you can exit through Gate 7/8 and use the restrooms in the nearby shopping malls. If you're in Zone 1/2, then you can head over to the Singapore Flyer and use the restrooms there.
Singapore is an absolute shopper's paradise! Just head over to the famous Orchard Road and you'll know exactly what I mean. If you want more shopping choices, you can go to Bugis or even Sim Lim Square (for all your techie needs). If you want a comprehensive guide to all the shopping places, then grab a "shopping specific" map at the airport or at one of the Visitor's Centres around the city.
Want to have a different perspective of the race track? Then check out the Singapore Flyer and see the many facets not just of the GP but the city as well! Premier Walkabout, Zone 1 and Zone 2 Ticket Holders get to enjoy unlimited rides* throughout the race weekend, so if you want a temporary airconditioned refuge without spending a penny, then this experience is for you.
*This provision seems to change yearly, so do check with the organizers.
View from the Singapore Flyer.
The Singapore GP is on Facebook and Twitter and has an official app as well. Follow them and be "in the know' with regards contests, promos and latest developments.
Use the hashtags #F1NightRace and #SingaporeGP to share your thoughts, pics and videos, as well as to find other awesome content and insider info!
@F1NightRace – Singapore GP's official Twitter account
@visitsingapore– Singapore Tourist Board's official Twitter account
F1 Teams Twitter Accounts:
@redbullracing –Red Bull
@ScuderiaFerrari -Ferrari
@McLarenF1 –McLaren
@RenaultSportF1 – Renault
@MercedesAMGF1 -Mercedes
@ForceIndiaF1 –Sahara Force India
@tororosso – Toro Rosso
@HaasF1Team –Haas F1
@WilliamsRacing –Williams
@SauberF1Team –Sauber
Souvenir Programme
They will be sold at several areas around the circuit park, in case you want a little something to remember the GP by. Would also be very useful to have on hand in case you bump into a driver and need something for him to autograph.
Support Races
The Porsche Carrera Cup, the Ferrari Challenge Cup, and the GP2 Series also race in the Marina Bay Track the same weekend as F1, so even if you arrive at the track early, you'll rarely see an empty/silent track.
Note: The lineup changes yearly.
What—in my humble opinion—should be in your possession during raceday:
Race ticket
Circuit map (can also double as a fan)
Digital camera (+ extra battery, memory card)
Sharpie/pen and notebook (just in case you see/encounter someone famous!)
Small, folding umbrella (or plastic poncho, in case of rain)
Some money and a credit card (although not too much, for the temptation to shop and spend may prove to be too strong to resist!)
Passport or a valid ID
Race organizers have started a special Super Early Bird promo last year, which enabled fans to purchase tickets for the next night race as early as 2 months after the previous night race. If you're extremely sure that you can make it, then this is a good deal, otherwise, you can wait until February for their regular Early Bird Ticket Sales phase which lasts until April. Check www.singaporegp.sg for further details.
You may also contact your local travel agents for tickets just in case you didn't get to purchase tickets during the Early Bird Phases. I did that on the 1st year I attended the GP and I got a pretty good rate.
Take good care of your tickets and keep them close! You are required to present them to be scanned as you enter and leave the track. Never detach them from their lanyards and it's actually quite a normal sight to see loads of people wearing their tickets already even while they're out shopping and dining outside the track. (*Some shops offer discounts to race attendees so be on the lookout.)
One of the most famous Singaporean products. It can soothe and take away all the body aches and pains you are bound to experience on a race weekend, so it's one of my must-buys in Singapore! It's available at various convenience stores and chemists/pharmacies.
Another thing that's interesting about the Night Race is that although it's in Asia and on GMT+8, teams and the media maintain the "European Time zone", and so it is not unusual for them to start the day past noon local time and end the day way past 2 am local time. So yeah, adjust your body clock accordingly if you plan on "keeping up" with them!
Track walks
The circuit remains open to the public until the Wednesday of the GP week, so if you want to do your very own version of the track walk, you may very well do so. Usually, teams do their track walks on a Thursday, when the circuit is already closed to the public, but there are some instances when drivers and some F1 personalities do their track walks early and/or film on the track for some promo bits on a Wednesday, so keep your eyes peeled if you do decide to try your luck!
I think fans with race tickets are allowed to enter the track on Thursday, but might only be allowed on some parts of it.
The Singapore MRT is the most popular way of getting around the city—and with good reason. It is fast and reliable (most of the time). There's rarely a place within Singapore that is not within walking distance to a train station, so resist from hailing taxi cabs and use the MRT instead. Warning, though: It can get a little crowded during the GP weekend, so get to the track early. However, they extend the operating hours of the MRT up to 1:10 am during the GP weekend, so you can still party the night away without worrying about the commute home.
You may want to purchase the Singapore Tourist Pass, which will entitle you to unlimited train and bus rides. It comes in 1-,2- and 3- day denominations which is an excellent deal. Check out www.thesingaporetouristpass.com.sg for more details.
If you're a regular Singapore visitor or if you foresee yourself returning to Singapore sometime soon, then you might want to purchase an EZ-Link card instead, as it can also be used to pay for purchases in certain convenience stores, and it is valid within 5 years of first usage and can be topped off /reloaded as needed.
Taxi cabs can be a bit expensive, but their drivers are honest and straightforward. Buses are also a good option. There will be massive re-routings throughout the race weekend so expect light to moderate traffic congestion in some parts of the city.
It is usually not recommended to bring big umbrellas inside the track, but small, folding umbrellas are allowed just in case the heat gets too much or there's a sudden drizzle.
Ushers and Usherettes
There will be loads of them scattered in and out of the track during the race weekend, to provide everyone with assistance whenever necessary. Don't hesitate to approach them whenever you have questions or even if you just need to have a photo taken. They are all friendly and will be happy to help you!
The ushers saying goodbye to the racegoers (2015).
Right. This might be a bit long. If you are a grandstand ticket holder, then you can skip this part, and if you are a Zone 4 or Premier Walkabout Ticketholder, then this section is for you:
*This section needs a massive update, but most of the info is still valid as of 2015.
Legends:
P1, P2…- Viewing Platforms
V1, V2…- Vantage Points (areas where you can stay as Walkabout Ticket holder, but without a viewing platform)
I've only been able to try out the Zone 4 and Premier Walkabout Tickets, and here I will talk about the viewing platforms and vantage points I've tested. Please refer to the slightly-modified circuit map below:
*Right-click and open in new tab/window to enlarge photo.
*Note: The modifications I made on the circuit map are for information purposes only.
**For the official and updated Circuit Map, view or download it here.
P1- This viewing platform near T14 is probably my most-overused one. Generally, it is best to stay in viewing platforms near corners, as cars will need to slow down as they go through, so you'll not only get a better view of them but you'll also have a better chance to take proper photos or videos. Interestingly, a lot of "incidents" have also occurred near this corner throughout the years, too, such as: Nick Heidfeld's BMW crashing there in 2009, Jenson Button getting stranded in the run-off area and Heikki Kovalainen spinning there in 2010, and Sergio Perez hitting the barrier in 2011. This area gets easily crowded, so be sure to save your spots early!
View of T14 (2011).
BMW driver Nick Heidfeld walks past the viewing platform after crashing out of the 2009 Night Race.
Jenson Button's McLaren gets stranded at the run-off area near T14 in one of the 2011 Night Race's FPs.
V1- If you are a Premier Walkabout Ticket holder, you'll pass by this area on the way to Zones 1 & 2 (from Zone 4). It is not really recommended to stay there for a long time as it is a busy passageway.
*As of 2015, this area has been covered to prevent pedestrian congestion.
P2- This viewing platform never really got crowded for the 3 days that I've attended last year, which I found curious because it is near Turn 21, which means it is a decent spot to take photos/videos of the cars. I recommend this spot for the Driver's Track Parade, as you can get close to the barriers, and since there won't be many people around, you can call out to the drivers and there's a good chance they'll acknowledge you.
View 1 of T21 (2012).
View of the Drivers' Track Parade from the platforms near T21 (2012).
View of the Drivers' Parade near T21 (2015).
V2- I tried the Singapore Flyer during the Free Practice Sessions, and it is quite a different experience to watch the cars go around the circuit while you're waaay up there. As you exit, you will get to a balcony where you'll have a view of the T21-T22 straight, and as a bonus you'll have a view of a widescreen as well. I stayed up there for several laps alone, since it was a practice session and not many people were using the Flyer, but I'm not sure if their personnel would allow people to stay in that balcony for long during the Qualifying Sessions and Race proper, as more people tend to use the Flyer then.
View from the Sg Flyer balcony (2015).
P3- This viewing platform is between the T21 and T22 straight, just opposite the Singapore Flyer. I stayed there to experience seeing the cars literally zoom past me on a straight, as well as to enjoy the widescreens available for better understanding of what's happening on-track. It's quite difficult to take decent photos of the cars in this area, as their speed and acceleration rates are crazy!
View of the T21-T22 straight.
V3- This is just near T22, and here you can get a pretty good view of the pit entry.
From the viewing area near the pit entry (2015).
P4- This viewing platform is a good place to be at the end of the race, because you can partly see the podium ceremonies from there. If you can access this area though then might as well join the post-race track invasion for a closer look at the podium!
View of The Pit building (2012).
View from the platform opposite T23 straight (2015).
Other 2015 Additions:
You can see the back of the grid from the viewing area opposite the T23 straight (2015).
You can get a good view of the cars leaving the pitlane in the platform opposite the Start-Finish straight (2015).
From the viewing area just before T15 (2015).
View along the T14 straight (2015).
There you go. There are loads of viewing platforms I haven't gotten around to trying yet, so my advice is, use the practice sessions to go around and explore—and share your tips with us afterwards, of course!
I've always made sure to stop by the Visitor Centre for several reasons: a. They usually give out race-related freebies; b. They have free internet stations which you can use for a maximum of 15 minutes; c. They have a wide array of maps and detailed guides categorized according to your interests (shopping, sightseeing, historical walks, etc.); and d. They offer free use of massage chairs! So make sure to stop by and check out what they have in store!
You will be doing a lot of walking. Not just inside the circuit but outside the circuit as well. So be prepared. Don't fret, though, as Singapore is a very walkable and very safe country.
As with most tropical countries, Singapore is hot and humid, but you can also expect some rain showers at that time of the year. Every year, weather forecasts predict some rain at some point in the race weekend, but since I do not want to experience the "wet dog look" as a spectator, I always make sure to do my "traditional anti-rain rituals" before I travel to Singapore. And what do you know, it has never failed me yet and there hasn't been a wet Night Race in the 4 years that I've attended!
Widescreens
Several widescreens are available throughout the track, and again, you may refer to your trusty circuit map to locate them.
The widescreen near the T21 straight (2015).
The track hasn't always delivered some exciting and nail-biting races throughout the years, but believe me when I say that the magic and atmosphere of the night race is way better experienced in person and is not always transmitted on television. The GP weekend has a certain magic that won't leave you disappointed, I assure you!
A good attitude to adopt while attending this GP. 🙂
Don't stress yourself out too much—feel the moment and enjoy!
The track is divided into 4 zones, each with their own food & beverage and entertainment offerings. So study the circuit map carefully and make the most of the zone/s your ticket allows you to go to.
There you have it. I do hope that my humble, labor-of-love little guide was able to answer some of your questions regarding the Singapore GP. Please feel free to share this to all those who may be interested, and if you have further enquiries, or even additional tips, then please use the comment box below—I'd be happy to help you further improve your Night Race Experience!
(P.S. A version of this article is also published on F1 Destinations: http://f1destinations.com/a-z-guide-to-singapore-grand-prix/ )
Tags f1, f1 driver spotting, f1 night race, f1 night race a-z, f1 night race fan guide, f1 night race guide, f1 singapore gp, f1 track tips, f1 travel, f1 trips, f1nightrace, force india, formula one, haas f1, jenson button, kimi raikkonen, manor racing, marina bay street circuit, mercedes, michael schumacher, nico rosberg, raceday tips, red bull racing, renault, sauber, scuderia ferrari, sebastian vettel, singapore gp, singaporegp, the bouncebackable guide, toro rosso, williams racing
Limerick no.11: How Not To Befriend Your New Teammate.
There once was a racer called Perez,
In McLaren he struggled to impress
Banged wheels, weaved left and right,
Much to Jenson Button's sheer fright
Que horror! Can Sergio manage to survive the stress?
Tags bahrain gp, f1, f1 2013, formula one, jenson button, mclaren, sergio perez
Introducing The F1 Class of 2013…And Their Alter-Egos.
The wait is finally over. F1 2013 is upon us and the 22 protagonists have been unveiled. I could easily have written a traditional collection of drivers' profiles but then again, where's the fun in that? And so I present to you the drivers and their respective alternative selves for your amusement*:
*Warning: A healthy dose of sense of humour and a certain level of pop culture knowledge are needed to fully appreciate this post.
Sebastian Vettel and the Road Runner
They're extremely fast, they're clever and can be quite funny almost effortlessly. So how come they're still not universally-liked? To the victor belongs not only the spoils but also the backstabbings and criticisms. Yikes. So watch your back, Seb, there are loads of Wile E. Coyotes out there waiting to pounce on you with their anvils! Focus on your racing and leave them all behind to eat your dust! Meep Meep!
Mark Webber and Daffy Duck
He's not the typical protagonist: He's outspoken, overtly confident, and aggressive when he wants to be. Things not going his way? Well, he'll cleverly find ways to remedy that with or without the help of others (*cough*his team*cough*). Oh, and when he starts yapping his mouth off, there's no telling when he'll stop. Or what he'll say about who. He can be intriguingly uncensored. And we love our Webbo (and Daffy Duck) for that.
Fernando Alonso and the Terminator
Never count him out. To underestimate him would be a horrible schoolboy error. Behind the silly and pseudo-artistic Instagram images and hilarious tweets is a mind of a cyborg that is programmed to do one thing and one thing only: WIN. At all costs. Destroy the competition if he must. He'll be back. After he waxes his eyebrows, of course.
Felipe Massa and Robin
Oh Felipe Baby, when will you ever become more than just a glorified sidekick? Still, there are moments when he wonderfully channels the Boy Wonder. He's perfectly fine when left to do his own battles, but when Batman (or team orders) arrives, he has the tendency to allow himself to be slapped around like a bitch. Wham! Bam! Kapow!
Jenson Button and Dry Toast
Let's face it, our Jenson is not the most exciting nor controversial of characters, isn't he? You might even say that's what makes him such an "ideal" man for McLaren. On the bright side, just put butter, cheese, jelly, marmite, etc. on top and he can actually be considered adaptable, versatile, and dare I say it, indispensable?! They're also both better with heat, because it gives them "more grip".
Sergio Perez and Speedy Gonzales
He almost always has a smile on his face and he seems so tiny you just want to hang him on your car's rearview mirror. And he tries, he really does. When he's quick, he's unstoppable, and when he's not, well, he'll just apologise and smile it off. Bless his little woven sombrero for that.
Kimi Raikkonen and a Polar Bear
Yes, yes, yes, we all know that this Finn is nicknamed "the Iceman", but hear me out when I say that he has a lot of similarities with this quite-misunderstood creature: Kimi is like a polar bear in the sense that he looks cute and cuddly, has a tendency to "hibernate", does not give a shit about what the outside world or the other species think about him, likes the cold, likes to fish, but in the blink of an eye, can turn into a deadly, ferocious hunter to get what he wants. Now hand him a fresh salmon, er, magnum and coke, and leave him alone to chill. This bear knows what he's doing.
Romain Grosjean and a Giraffe
You wouldn't think a giraffe can be so dangerous, but countless watchings of National Geographic have proven that a threatened or panicky giraffe can wreck havoc in an ecosystem (bet you'll want to youtube that). Much like our Romain, you wouldn't think his ever-smiley Frenchie face has the capacity to hurt a fly, but he certainly earned the "1st lap nutcase" nickname bestowed to him by fellow racer Mark Webber. Here's hoping he'll channel a graceful—rather than a clumsy—giraffe this season, not just for his sake but more for the sake of his fellow drivers.
Nico Rosberg and Britney Spears
Okay, so I couldn't resist and left Nico's popular nickname/alter ego unchanged. They're both pretty faces that attract fans by the droves. Some say they're overrated but when they turn up their performance level to the max and show flashes of brilliance, you couldn't help but be awed. When they're good, they're spectacular, but when they're bad, just…cringe and close your eyes. Look beyond the gleaming blond facade, for there's genuine talent in there somewhere, believe me. Hit me baby, one more time!
Lewis Hamilton and Dennis the Menace
He's not as bad as some people make him out to be, our Lewis. Lewis and Dennis the Menace both start out with good intentions but then certain circumstances develop and things end up in a hilarious, horrible, facepalm-worthy mess. At times, it seems like they don't look for trouble, trouble's attracted to them like ants to sugar. But hey, like I said, they're not all that bad—they both maintain a certain level of enthusiasm that many find contagious and endearing.
Nico Hulkenberg and Cinderella
They're tall, lithe, blonde and blue-eyed. Oh, and both have…special feet? The German's slight problem with his Sauber car during the winter test (i.e. he wore racing shoes that were too big and constantly hit the car's body which caused discomfort throughout the testing session) got so blown-up by the media that his feet are now as much of a talking point as his racing talent. Question is, will he also encounter evil stepsisters along the way and will he find the fairytale drive at Sauber and live happily ever after?
Esteban Gutierrez and Bert
They both have bushy eyebrows, let's get that out of the way. But aside from that, like Bert, he has to play the de facto 2nd fiddle to the more popular, not-just-slightly-preferred "Ernie" of his Sauber teammate Hulkenberg, and that is not an easy task. For now, the young Mexican seems to be good friends with the German, but we shall see whether the two can sustain being BFFs until the end of the season.
Paul DiResta and a Basset Hound
F1's Mr. Positive (not) certainly isn't the most magnetic nor charismatic chap, but like the droopy basset hound, still attracts a…certain set of fans. Surely, he doesn't consciously try to look gloomy most of the time, but someone should still remind him that a smile (and a positive attitude) every once in a while won't hurt!
Adrian Sutil and a Porcupine
Like a porcupine, he usually minds his own business, and yet, there's still that certain element of danger about him. So yeah, it's best to stay out of his way and refrain from sparking his ire (looking at you, Lewis), unless you want to get pricked/stabbed (Oh yes, I went there).
Pastor Maldonado and a Bulldozer
Pop star Rihanna may have had Pastor in mind when she sang the lyrics, "…I may be bad, but I'm perfectly good at it…" (You can stop sniggering now), because that encapsulates our Pastor quite well. Like a bulldozer, he plows down—whether consciously or subconsciously—everything that gets in his way, and sometimes ends up making a spectacular mess out of it. But hey, at least he doesn't do anything halfway!
Valtteri Bottas and R2D2
The Finn that replaced the "spare" Finn in F1 looks to have come from the same School of Word Economy like his fellow Finns, but for now, his personality is still a bit lacking and mechanical, akin to that of the wee robot in Star Wars. Hopefully, he'll come out of his shell more and prove that he's far more than just a Twitter hashtag.
Jean Eric Vergne and a Mime
Jean-Eric seems to be a man of few words. Not in a Kimi Raikkonen-way but in a…more mysterious way, I suppose? Anyway, this Toro Rosso man prefers to go the "action speaks louder than words" route, and so far, it seems to be working in his favour. Although perhaps it wouldn't hurt for him to express himself more in interviews, oui?
Daniel Ricciardo and a Jack-In-The-Box
Wind him up, wait, and boom—out he pops! At times, we never really know when this Aussie racer will properly turn up in a race, which can be frustrating considering the potential he has shown in his rookie year. But when he does turn up, he delivers notable performances, which somehow makes the wait a little bit more forgivable.
Charles Pic and a Mushroom
Sometimes you see him, sometimes you don't. There's no denying that Charles Pic has talent, after all, he's now on his 2nd year in F1 and even got the chance to move to another team. However, like a mushroom, he does have a tendency to become inconspicuous in some (maybe a lot of) races, yet at times, he just seems to pop up from nowhere to join in on the racing mix. Let's see how he fares this season, perhaps next year I can promote him to being a truffle instead of a mere mushroom.
Giedo van der Garde and Wine
He's been in the periphery of F1 for quite a while now, and yet this year is only his rookie year. Like wine, he has been patiently maturing in the barrel for years, waiting for the right moment to be bottled, sold, drunk and evaluated by the public. Will his 2013 performance reviews be sweet and divine or sour and putrid? We shall see.
Jules Bianchi and Harry Houdini
Just when you thought he's out of the running for an F1 2013 drive, Jules managed to pull out an impressive comeback so last-minute you'd think it was a work of a magician. And what about that fastest lap in Melbourne that was like only 0.045 seconds off from Vettel's time? Something tells me this lad may have more stunning "escapes" and tricks up his sleeves this season. Stay tuned.
Max Chilton and Richie Rich
Poor little rich boy Max will have quite a hard time shaking off the dreaded "pay driver" tag, and the rumours surfacing that his dear daddy might buy his current team Marussia aren't helping his street cred, either. Should he apologise for having the resources to fulfill his dreams/whims? Don't hate the player, hate the game.
So there you have it. Some of them may be harsh, but hey, nobody said F1 fans are easy to please. Welcome to yet another year of this circus, one and all!
Tags adrian sutil, charles pic, daniel ricciardo, esteban gutierrez, f1, f1 2013, f1 class of 2013, felipe massa, fernando alonso, formula one, giedo van der garde, jean-eric vergne, jenson button, jules bianchi, kimi raikkonen, lewis hamilton, mark webber, max chilton, nico hulkenberg, nico rosberg, pastor maldonado, paul di resta, romain grosjean, sebastian vettel, sergio perez, valtteri bottas