Even if you're not a fan of motor sports and you only know about Lewis Hamilton because of Nicole Scherzinger, it's hard to ignore the buzz of excitement each year before the Singapore F1 Grand Prix weekend as the massive grandstands and barricades go up along the stipulated racetrack areas.
But it's not just the motoring fans who have a reason to rejoice. Every year, the F1 season also brings with it a slew of the biggest parties that attract glitterati, celebrities and party animals alike -- 'tis the season to see, and to be seen.
We pick five of the best F1 parties this Grand Prix season, and tell you why you should have them on your To-Go list.
Avalon
The buzz: Undeniably the most anticipated party series of the year, Avalon at Large this year takes on extra significance as it marks the official opening of the most iconic Hollywood club in Singapore. Yes, you'll finally be partying at the actual club itself.
Where: With the exception of Avalon at Large GO! which will be held at Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, all the Grand Prix parties will be held at Avalon.
What's happening: Begin all the partying early as Avalon starts off Grand Prix celebration on 21 September 2011, Wednesday with the first of its party series featuring Simian Mobile Disco, Digitalism, Kele of Bloc Party live. The series will feature many other artistes like LMFAO and Ludacris, who will perform at Avalon at Large GO! on 23 September 2011, and culminate in a celebration of world-class entertainment with Boy George and Chemical Brothers on 25 September 2011.
Why you should be there: It's the club opening of the year. Need we say more?
How to get tickets: Ticket prices range from S$30 to S$300. Visit www.avalon.sg for the full line-up and to buy tickets.
Avalon, Crystal Pavilion, Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, B2-05
Amber Lounge
What's the buzz: The only party that follows F1 around the world, Amber Lounge party passes are possibly the most exclusive and coveted available -- even its ultra-glamourous fashion show, Amber Lounge Fashion has its own fan base. Now entering into its second year, Amber Lounge Fashion will feature Singaporean designer Frederick Lee on 24 September 2011.
What's happening: Frederick Lee's couture collection as well as specially created pieces will take centrestage at the Amber Lounge Fashion show on 24 September, featured on models as well as F1 Third Drivers who will swap their race suits for designer togs. Once the show ends, the party will begin with DJs Lora and Micky spinning the discs at Amber Lounge’s Girls Night Out party. On 25 September, celebrate the end of F1 season with F1 favourite DJ JackE and unlimited Champagne. Billboard favourite Taio Cruz will also be performing on both nights.
Why you should be there: This is the one place where true A-listers will appear (last year's Singapore party played host to Harry Potter star Rupert Grint). F1 driver Michael Schumacher also raved about the Amber Lounge parties, calling them "the only place to celebrate after a Grand Prix".
How to get tickets: Tickets start from 500 euros per person. Yes you read that right -- nobody ever said exclusivity comes cheap. Head over to www.amber-lounge.com/contact to book tickets, or call +65 8368 1984. Limited passes left.
Amber Lounge, Temasek Reflection (water wall behind Millenia Walk)
Johnnie Walker Jet Black Party
The buzz: The award-winning Johnnie Walker Jet Black party series returns from 24-25 September on the bay front of the Fullerton Heritage district. Strictly by invitation only, the party series will see a stellar line-up of DJs and high-end interactive party experiences.
What's happening: The night’s entertainment will consist of international headliners DJ Tina T, Rock-it!-Scientists and DJ M.O.S. who are all celebrities in their own right on the DJ stage. Guests can also expect interactive party experiences which will bring them through the world of Johnnie Walker and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, not forgetting of course Johnnie Walker Black Label cocktails.
Why you should be there: Possibly the most stylish party in town, the Johnnie Walker Jet Black party series has made it mark in the F1 party scene by clinching best party awards and also built a reputation as a celebrity hotspot. Apparently if you want to meet Eduardo Saverin (yes, the Facebook guy), this is the party to be at.
How to get tickets: You can't buy them. You can however, try your luck by "liking" the Johnnie Walker facebook page which is currently running weekly competitions for ticket giveaways. Otherwise, your best bet would be to beg your friend who has a friend who has a cousin working at Johnnie Walker.
Johnnie Walker Jet Black Party, One on the Bund, 80 Collyer Quay
The Podium Lounge
The buzz: Popular with the well-heeled and the discerning partiers, The Podium Lounge makes a return at the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore's poolside, which also happens to be a two-minute walk away from the race pit building.
What's happening: A line-up of international DJs hailing from Istanbul, Amsterdam, Florida, Mauritius, Boracay and London will spin funky Balearic, groovy deep house and dance tracks through the night from 10pm on 23-25 September. In addition, silent and live auctions for the Singapore Children's Cancer Foundation, an haute couture swimwear show by Silvian Imberg, an Aston Martin V8 Vantage S and Virage showcase as well as a preview of Vertu's latest carbon fibre handsets will be held.
Why you should be there: A-listers galore. The Podium Lounge F1 after-parties are famous for attracting race car drivers, celebrities and Asian royalty alike.
How to get tickets: Ticket prices start from S$118 per person and S$988 per VIP table. For tickets and VIP tables, contact Robbie Hoyes-Cock, managing director of B-Yond at +65 9459 5211 or email robbie@b-yond.com.sg.
The Podium Lounge, Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Avenue, www.apesnap.com/event/podiumlounge
The buzz: Perched right on top of One Raffles Place (previously OUB Centre), Singapore's tallest rooftop bar will host Japanese DJ Silva, one of Japan's most sought-after club DJs.
What's happening: With her distinctive performance style (she incorporates scat and live vocals over her house mix) and ear for body-shaking tunes, DJ Silva will have you pumped up to party in no time. Besides great music, also expect the usual bevy of excellent drinks and food from 1-Altitude's bar.
Why you should be there: As the highest rooftop bar in Singapore, 1-Altitude offers stunning views of the city skyline, not to mention an unobstructed view of the racetrack. You get to catch all the action, without having to deal with all the ear-splitting noise -- it's a win-win situation.
How to get tickets: Tickets range from S$48 for a single day pass to S$138 for a three-day pass, and they are now available for purchase at 1-Altitude.
1-Altitude, No. 1 Raffles Place (previously OUB Centre), +65 6438 0410