HYDERABAD: Singapore, where every fan of Formula 1 races headed last weekend, I followed suit, though I am not a great fan of car races. But speed thrills, doesn’t it? More so, for the onlooker, who just sits and enjoys as the superfast cars go on a deafening “vroooom”, while some of them topple while some others even catch fire (though unfortunate, well, it’s all part of the game!). The swanky city fully geared to host perhaps, one of the most unique races in the calendar, lived up to its reputation as the glamorous destination of the Formula 1 night race. With a whole host of on-track performances, all-star concerts lined up, it was a thrill galore through the weekend even as Singapore justifiably lapped up all the attention, while basking in its glitzy glory.
I felt I was in a race myself with a hectic schedule. From Changi Airport, I drove down to my hotel, after a quick shower reached the dreamlike venue for a leisurely lunch that lasted for more than three hours. Who do you think stole the show? It’s Johnnie Ginger. BTW, Johnnie Walker was the associate sponsor for the Formula 1 Races, along with a host of other sponsors and their showstopper is Johnnie Ginger. For those who want to know, Johnnie Ginger is a “premium alternative” to traditional RTD’s or beer and has been designed for afternoon get-togethers and daytime drinking occasions.
A spicy lift to the perfect mixing whiskey, the ginger highlights the subtle spice flavours among other great tastes in Johnnie Walker Red Label in this simple beverage. For people who do not like the taste of plain whiskey or whiskey on the rocks and would like to join the elite drinkers in the whiskey world, Johnnie Ginger could be the ideal drink. You may wonder why all this brouhaha about Johnnie Ginger? Both Jonnie Walker Red Label with its spicy and refreshing taste and the ginger flavoured soft drink when combined, make the perfect whiskey cocktail with an invigorating bite and a perfect long drink during casual get-togethers. That’s why.
The Singapore Grand Prix is Formula One racing’s original night race, staged on an exciting 5.073-kilometre (3.152-mile) street track in the heart of the colourful and cosmopolitan city of Singapore. The race is floodlit, and the bright lights of the city’s financial centre in the background give the race a unique atmosphere. The track makes use of two bridges across the harbour, the famous Padang Park and its permanent pits complex is built alongside the ‘Singapore Flyer’, the city-state’s answer to the London Eye Ferris wheel.
Saturday evening I saw some practice and qualifying sessions where a car caught fire and I could not only see but also smell the burnt tyres. Later “The Chainsmokers” set fire to the stage literally with their thundering music. Remember their song, “Selfie”? Well, most people not only remember, but also relate to “Selfie”- now so much part of everybody’s life!The next day, we had a memorable interaction with the legendary racer, Mika Häkkinen. Continuing their 9-year commitment to responsible drinking, Johnnie Walker’s “Join the Pact” (a global initiative for people to commit to never drink & drive) was signed along with Mika.
Nicknamed “the Flying Finn”, he is a Finnish former professional racing driver. Häkkinen joined Johnnie Walker as their Global Responsible Drinking Ambassador in September 2006, campaigning for the message of responsible drinking, to spread consumer commitments for the prevention of drunk driving. With his track record, it is no surprise that he is also the brand ambassador for Mercedes-Benz and UBS. Häkkinen is known for his unique driving style, was an “over steering” driver, resulting in driving faster on slippery surfaces and the preference of using “tail-happy” cars.
Sunday evening was filled with suspense and excitement.
The Formula 1 Drivers’ Track Parade was an eyeful while the final races provided adrenalin rush much beyond what could be handled. Needless to say that Calvin Harris was a fitting finale to the most exhilarating event: their music simply rocked. Amidst all these, “Johnnie Ginger” garnered much admiration and appreciation from whiskey connoisseurs and lay men alike. Lewis Hamilton maybe the official winner of this year’s Formula 1 Races. But this season, it was Johnnie Ginger who won many hearts!
(The author is a documentary filmmaker and travel writer; she blogs at vijayaprataptravelandbeyond.com)