If you were anywhere near the Marina Bay Street Circuit over the weekend, you would have heard an unmistakable and sorely-missed sound.

Audible in places such as Millenia Walk, Raffles City, and the Esplanade, the deafening roar of Formula One engines sent adrenaline coursing through the veins of racing enthusiasts and announced the long-awaited return of the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix, which was renewed until 2028 earlier this year. 

After a two-year hiatus as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the motor racing competition lit up the Marina Bay Street Circuit once more during its high-octane 2022 edition, which was held from 30 September to 2 October. 

The three-day event hosted a whopping 302,000 attendees from across countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the USA, the highest recorded number since it made its debut in 2008. 

Aside from witnessing the practice and qualifying sessions and the exhilarating main race (which Red Bull Racing's Sergio Pérez won), guests were treated to a plethora of entertainment options and activities. Coming together to form an unforgettable part of the night race, the exciting attractions offered a taste of what awaits everyone at future editions of the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix.

In case you missed the event or are just hoping to relive it, here are four off-track highlights from the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix 2022. 

CONCERTS GALORE

Since its introduction more than a decade ago, the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix has morphed into a yearly festival-like event that hosts show-stopping live music performances from artists across the globe. 

Taking to the Padang Stage, Grammy-nominated artist DJ and producer Marshmello concluded Friday on a high note with a dance-inducing set that was chock-full of memorable beat drops and eye-popping visuals. The masked musician, who is known for having an impressive collection of hits, also invited concert-goers to sing their hearts out during his performances of tunes such as 'Friends' and 'Happier'.

On nostalgia-filled Saturday, will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo, and J. Rey Soul of the Black Eyed Peas threw a party to remember during their first performance of the weekend at the Padang Stage (their second was held on Sunday). By unleashing favourites such as 'I Gotta Feeling' and 'Pump It', the group made it extremely difficult for anyone to resist jumping and screaming out the songs' lyrics. 

A few hours later, Westlife arrived all ready to take all in attendance on a trip down memory lane. The bulk of the songs on the Irish boyband's setlist needed no introduction at all as almost everyone already knew their lyrics by heart. As soon as Shane Filan, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne started singing tracks such as 'My Love', 'Swear It Again', and 'If I Let You Go', a multitude of voices came together to become the group's fifth member for the night. The biggest surprise of the performance came in the form of an announcement that Westlife would return to Singapore as part of their The Wild Dreams Tour in February 2023. 

On the same day, Zone 1's Wharf Stage was brought to life by music from 'No Scrubs' hitmakers TLC and British alternative outfit Suede. 

Rapper and singer-songwriter The Kid LAROI got Sunday's music performances at the Padang Stage started with a spectacular show that not wet weather could ruin. The Australian sensation captured the hearts of many with his endearing personality when he took the time to interact with fans between songs. The most memorable moment of his set was when he sang his smash hit 'STAY' in front of an ecstatic crowd during a downpour.   

DAZZLING ROVING PERFORMANCES

The Formula One Singapore Grand Prix 2022 was also a vibrant celebration of arts and culture. Representing countries such as Singapore, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia, an eclectic selection of roving performers could be spotted entertaining guests across the circuit park. From the lively sounds of social, cultural, and musical collective Bloco Singapura to the radiant displays by fire/light performance company Kaguzuchi and the enthralling Samba dances by Brazilian Fantasy, there was something for everyone present at the event.

 

 

 

 

 

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A PARADISE FOR RACING ENTHUSIASTS

No Formula One event is complete without racing-themed activities and the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix 2022 was no different. Over the race weekend, the Marina Bay Street Circuit's Circuit Park became a paradise for fans who wanted to take their immersion in the night race to the next level. 

Those who wished to live out their dreams of being the next Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen were able to try their hand at simulated Formula One racing at pop-up booths around the park. These additions were a nice touch as they gave everyone, regardless of age, an opportunity to safely experience how it feels to be in a Formula One race. 

There were also numerous photo spots scattered across the park where guests could get creative with their poses. One of the most popular ones was the podium-themed spot, which allowed Formula One fans to recreate their favourite drivers' victory shots. 

Finally, there were merchandise booths that those in attendance could visit to purchase official apparel, including t-shirts and caps. Well-stocked and located all over the park, these stores ensured that fans would be equipped to support their beloved racing teams.

AN EPIC FINALE

Everyone would probably agree that Green Day was the perfect act to bring the race weekend to a close. The American rock trio's show was delayed by nearly an hour as a result of the main race's late start due to inclement weather but that did nothing to dampen the mood of all who had gathered to watch them.

As Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' — which is used as the introductory song at the group's concerts — played through the speakers at the Padang Stage, celebratory fireworks could be seen (and heard) from the other end of the circuit park. Although it was probably just a coincidence, the combination ramped up excitement levels in the area. 

When Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool finally emerged on stage, a wave of energy surged through the Padang.

"Tonight, we're going to sing together, we're going to dance together, and we're going to make some f***ing noise!" screamed frontman Armstrong. 

As the group unleased hit after infectious hit without breaking a sweat, the crowd mirrored their energy by pumping their fists and belting out the lyrics to songs such as 'American Idiot', 'Jesus of Suburbia', '21 Guns', and 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams'.

The cancellation of Green Day's 2021 concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium as a result of the pandemic was a massive blow to those who had been waiting to see them, but ask any fan and they would tell you that the group more than made up for last year's disappointment at the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix 2022. 

The Formula One Singapore Grand Prix will return in 2023. Super Early Bird tickets are now on sale here.