Formula 1’s 800th race -the first ever held at night- was a spectacle of 1,600 track-lined lamps, a parade of (what looked like) 160,000 clubsnap photographers and temperatures that reached (what felt like) 1,600°C. A fantastic experience and an absolutely incredible race. Very surreal to sit on the steps of City Hall and munch on Oreos as F1 cars sped past at 300km/h. 

Took pictures of Friday’s practice session from the Red Bull paddocks- hit the jump for the photojournal!

Logistical finesse.

The Singapore Flyer (oversized ferris wheel) served as a brilliant backdrop to the track, especially when lit up at night.

Converting busy Singapore roads into an F1 street circuit took months of preparation- day and night. This worker enjoys a well-deserved siesta.

And into the Red Bull paddocks. It was my first time in an F1 pit lane, a new experience I shall never forget. Many thanks to Britta and Markus for making this happen!!

A Red Bull mechanic takes a short breather in the heat of the Singapore weather.

The variation in noise is what got me first. The cars scream as they fling down the track, but emit a very endearing purr (albeit a very loud, endearing purr) in the pit lane. And there is the acceleration. An F1 car accelerating out of a paddock is like a caged leopard bolting to freedom through a hole in the fence. If you’re watching from close proximity: awe and a slight twinge of fear hits you in the heart. These machines are incredible- the pinnacle of engineering (and even more gorgeous up close). 

Red Bull mechanics watch a paddock screen as David Coulthard gets used to the tight and bumpy Marina Bay circuit. Loved the car-mounted cameras. Very surreal looking with the lights flashing past- like watching a computer simulation.

The masterminds.

The legend- David Coulthard. 

A Red Bull mechanic prepares tires for the Qualifying session the next day. It’s obvious that each team has a large supply of tires, but this becomes very apparent as you as you walk down a pit lane or maneuver around a paddock- no matter where you go you cannot escape the tires. They are everywhere. 

Completed shortly before the race, the paddock building was quickly seasoned in. Here Coulthard comes in for a short stop on freshly-laid down rubber. 

A Red Bull mechanic negotiates David Coulthard’s car back into the paddock.

The lights on the pit lane produced a visual effect akin to an airplane hangar. Very pleasing to the eye.

On to the Toro Rosso paddock-

Sébastien Bourdais in a gleam of carbon fiber.

Sebastian Vettel fresh off his prolific win in Monza. He shows incredible composure and talent for someone his age. One of the most exciting drivers to watch in Formula 1- very very much looking forward to watching him race the rest of the season and in the years to come. 

Toro Rosso have surprised many people by defying a lot of odds this season. Their team is so motivated- the Toro Rosso paddock had a special ambience that is hard to describe… 

Some shots during the short breaks when people get to walk about and check stuff out. 

My assistant, Jonathan posing with some friends who wanted to hijack him.

And we headed out of the pit lane and on to the circuit for a few quick shots-

The practice session drew to a close as Vettel negotiated this corner. The evening was an amazing experience. Growing up in Singapore and watching F1 on TV, I never imagined this in my wildest dreams. The race happened two days later, click here to check out the second and final part of the series!