Is F1 losing the deal to appeal?

Julian says, "No, it’s not about the parties."

No doubt concert and parties are factors that can, perhaps, bring profit-driven, forward-thinking companies and sponsors to justify maintaining and running the F1 event, they aren't the main contributing factors for the crowd, me thinks.

In years gone by, Formula One has built something of a rapport with Singaporeans, with its strong campaigns such as Pit Lane Experiences and school visits. Never mind the significant inconvenience of road closures, the fact that F1 is booming and the amount of merchandises is bewildering are proof that our annual race isn't about concerts and parties.

In fact, according to the business daily, overseas fans from countries like Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Germany, Malaysia, the Philippines, U.K., U.S.A and Taiwan visit us from all over the globe to catch the annual Formula One night race. There's even one enthusiastic Australian fan who has been buying the exact same seat at the Pit Grandstand every year since 2009 for crying out loud!

I'm sure there are people out there who are willing to pay hundreds of dollars to catch not only the race itself (which is more impressive than just an oval race track), but also to enjoy the attraction of the F1 cars. Yes, it's a niche market, but Formula One is and should be more than just your average annual music carnival. Look on the bright side, the ladies can get to enjoy the sight of young male drivers while the  appeal of the international female crowd can give the guys something to drool over.

It's brilliant, isn't it, when you realise that there is more to Formula One than just an event to have a beer or two (or perhaps six) or watch your favourite artist perform live?
Nicholas says, "Yes, it's all about the parties."

The F1 fever is as hot as it gets, with the yearly event paying their due visit to our shores. But there's little escaping from the fact that more emphasis is put on the parties and concert than the race itself.

A good clue is that the names Justin Bieber and Owl City ring more often than Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel. Similarly, you will find Korean band BIGBANG making a greater impact than what Ferrari or reigning champions Red Bull Racing did.

Formula One racing is just about the fastest moving things in the motorsports arena. The F1 race cars are fascinating by themselves, packing technologies that lie beyond the boundaries of our minds.

As such, they are often heralded as the top form of motorsports, attracting the support of countless motorsports fans all over the world since its inception more than half a century ago.

Other than cutting-edge race cars, an equal bit of attraction goes to the man behind the wheel - the drivers who have been led to stardom by the sports. Then, there are others who are in to rub off bits of excitement from the adrenaline-filled event.

However, this may not be the case with the crowds making their regular visits to the local race event. Or at least, the organisers didn't make it look that way. News and advertorial messages often highlight the starred trackside performances, such as world renowned singers making appearances at the Grand Prix - more than the real action on the track.

It is, then, safe to say that entertainment (on stage) has attracted more attention than the main theme itself - the race.

So is it because there aren't enough tech gigs or fast car enthusiast to make the event a balance sheet success, or that people are slowly losing interest in open wheelers whizzing past them at mind-blitzing, eye-blinking speeds?