Clubs gear up for big F1 weekend

Singapore is transformed when Formula One GrandPrix comes to town.

For one weekend the Central Business District (CBD) is closed to regular traffic, and tall fences and barricades are erected to turn the roads into a racetrack.

Seen from the 1-Altitude Gallery and Bar – the world’s highest alfresco bar – the racetrack is a golden ribbon that winds through the heart of Singapore, past landmarks such as the former Supreme Court, the historic Victoria Concert Hall and the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay. 

The drivers go round and round the track in their second practice run. Their cars look no bigger than matchboxes. The rooftop is packed before midnight on Friday, as revellers kick off the F1 weekend. 

Two storeys down, 1-Altitude’s nightclub Altimate is also beginning to fill up for what organisers call a “Monaco-themed VIP soiree”, while the restaurant, Stellar, serves up cuisine from different countries that play host to F1 races.

The 2014 edition is the seventh time the country has hosted the night race through the city, with the title race between Mercedes drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton the top attraction. But just as at all other grands prix, it is not about racing alone.

Apart from the numerous musical performances, dining experiences and on-track performances put on by official race promoter Singapore GPPte Ltd, hotels and clubs have jumped on the chance to cash in on a potential wild weekend.

Pangaea, an “ultra-lounge” whose philosophy is to cater to the rich and famous, is no different. This year will be their third time organising an F1 Blowout Weekend, with a cover charge of  S$100 (Bt2,500) and VIP tables that range from S$2,500 to $10,000.

“They have always been sensational weekends, and our largest gross sales in terms of revenue. The parties were smashing successes, with celebrities, heads of state, business magnates, members of royal families, and the most social and fashionable from all over the region and world,” said founder and operator Michael Van Cleef Ault.

Friday’s response was muted, though; the club was still mostly empty past midnight. When asked if this was usual for a Friday night, a bartender commented: “It might be different because of the F1.”

Not everyone is a fan of the event. Critics complain of the road closures and resulting traffic jams, making daily commutes more difficult. 

A report by Channel NewsAsia on Tuesday also suggested that, based on takings from previous years, sales for businesses in the area are expected to fall.

“I actively avoid the CBD the week it’s on. The closed roads make it difficult to drive in, or take a taxi in or out of the CBD. Buses are an even bigger nightmare. The only thing left then are the trains, but it’ll be jam packed with people too, even more than it usually is,” wrote marketing manager Daphne Loo in response to questions from DPA.

She added that although her family enjoys following the F1 races, they prefer to watch it on television from the comfort of their own home.

When it comes to avoiding the city centre, audio producer Jocelyn Teo has little choice: she lives too close to the CBD area to be able to shut the race out.

“The F1 gives the government bragging rights, because it seems so high class,” Teo said. “Hoteliers get to laugh their way to the bank. Regular folk like us who don’t care about the cars just have to endure it.”