Simply Abu Dhabi IV

82 SIMPLY ABU DHABI Electrifying Trackside Build-up Nothing can compare to the electrifying atmosphere of watching the Formula 1 action unfold before you and we were quite literally beside ourselves with excitement to be VIPs at this monumental occasion. Despite some turbulence in his personal life, at the start of the weekend Lewis Hamilton looked happy saying he was above the clouds with all non-motorsport distractions at the back of his mind: “When I’m on form I know nobody can touch me. I can take the car to a limit that others probably can’t reach.” On top form then, it was this self-belief that led the championship driver to take a strong victory in Abu Dhabi. Journalists and camera crews from around the globe were recording non-stop and wherever we turned there were interviews taking place. The fantastic roar of the engines mingles beautifully with the excitable noises from the energised crowds and the music pumping from the parties all around. It is virtually impossible to do justice to the electrifying ambience in the moments before a big Formula 1 race, with incredible live broadcasts being transmitted worldwide on the track side as everyone from Bernie Ecclestone to King Juan Carlos of Spain to the world champions – Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton – provide their own unique commentary on proceedings. We could feel the energy and vibe in the crowd as everyone seemed to be rooting for Lewis Hamilton with massive support from fans from both the UK and Abu Dhabi there to watch the victory. We passed Danni Minogue chatting on her mobile as she soaked up the fantastic Formula 1 atmosphere, spotted Shaun Wright-Phillips, the footballer wandering around the circuit and even Eric Clapton looked relaxed as he enjoyed the pre-race atmosphere down at the trackside. Abu Dhabi’s circuit is a fantastic circuit from which to watch a thrilling race like the one we were about to experience. Amongst fine company – the paddock was full of famous faces including the legendary Paul McCartney with new wife Nancy Shevall and Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini – we were lucky enough to benefit from a truly unique perspective on all the action, watching championship drivers give it their all for an ultimate lap. Throughout the weekend it became increasingly apparent that Hamilton’s competitive spirit was retuning in full force and he was feeling more positive than he had for a long time. A Fitting Victory In a magical moment in Abu Dhabi, with nail-biting anticipation from us as VIP guests, the race began. Hamilton was victorious after Sebastian Vettel’s early exit when he headed to the pits on the first lap and retirement with a punctured rear tyre. But there was plenty of action before that. Hamilton got off to a fantastic start, with a good first lap fighting with Jenson Button. Hamilton’s victory was then aided significantly by Sebastian Vettel, who although off to a flying start, spun into retirement as his right-rim tyre flew off the rim of his red bull after just two corners – the first time in more than a year that the German has failed to finish a race. After Vettel went off, with two very fast drivers behind him, Lewis had to work hard to maintain the gap. With the necessary pace, he was able to put in the laps when Fernando went faster. At times it seemed as though the gap was closing but Hamilton held out. Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso grabbed second place fromMcLaren’s Jenson Button on the opening lap. A KERS problem from the off scuppered Button’s chances of making it a McLaren one-two as he was forced to fiddle with various steering wheel controls to adjust the settings as he was driving and Red Bull’s Mark Webber gambled on a three-stop run after a botched first pit stop. Felipe Massa presented a threat for a while until he struck debris from Pastor Maldonado’s Williams, and then spun. He stayed ahead of Nico Rosberg who pitted late for medium tyres. Besides Vettel, Jerome D’Ambrosio retired his virgin as a result of brake problems. The top three positions were pretty much decided by the time the first pit stops were complete and the contest at the front fell slightly flat. Hamilton claims the win is “one of his best ever”. Despite Button’s KERS issue his run to third meant both McLaren drivers gave incredible performances on the track. For Ferrari, Fernando Alonso was faultless en route to second, but Felipe Massa blamed the harder-compound tyre for a late-race spin. Watching the race with all its dramas, I could feel the hairs on the back on my neck stand up as you could cut the tension with a knife. To be part of the Formula 1 action is truly to be part of a phenomenal story and one that we will remember and treasure for the rest of our time. Sheer Jubilance Lewis Hamilton’s pre-race confidence translated into an easy win bringing him to 227 points as the McLaren- Mercedes star took the chequered flag comfortably ahead of Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso with Hamilton’s team-mate Jenson Button taking the final place on the podium. The victory was a return to form for Hamilton who dominated the Abu Dhabi circuit to earn his first triumph since the German Grand Prix in July. A dominant victory in Abu Dhabi was just the tonic Hamilton needed. He dedicated the triumphant victory to his mother Carmen who was also celebrating her birthday. Rating his victory after a difficult time of things, Hamilton said; “I don’t feel I’ve made a single mistake in the race and with the things that have gone, the pressure that I’ve been under and with the doubt that has surrounded me, I felt just massively proud to have put that kind of performance together and to have come out on top. I think my fans have been incredibly supportive and so have my family, particularly so in recent weeks and that’s made a big difference. And it’s my Mum’s birthday so that makes it even better.” To see race winner Lewis Hamilton celebrating on the podium with the iconic winner’s bottle was like a dream come true. He was later seen celebrating with his proud mother, Carmen Lockhart who has been a fantastic support to her talented son. The Party Goes On At the centre of all the adrenalin fuelled activity the Yas Viceroy Hotel stands on Abu Dhabi’s Marina Circuit with its colourful lights giving a subtle nod towards the stylish high profile visitors who will be celebrating the F1 victory there in full-on glitz and glamour. The weekend appears to be one non-stop party on the track, inside the exclusive restaurants and venues and on the boats that align the racetrack. We were part of a highly fortunate and expectant crowd comprised of sponsors, singers, Hollywood actors, excitable journalists and various VIP guests ready to enjoy the sporting activity, socialising, networking and entertainment laid on at this spectacular Formula 1 event. Magnificent cars pulled up in front of the Marina’s various hotels and restaurants and everyone here had that vibe about them that they were part of a something very special and exclusive. When it comes to high octane glamour, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix celebrations have it at full force! Elite guests and celebrity faces mingled at Cipriani where owner Giuseppe laid on his renowned culinary delights satisfying every diner who walked through the doors. Down at the arena the already frenetic pace was stepped up another gear with fabulous crowd-pleasing performances from pop icon Britney Spears and the living legend, Sir Paul McCartney and at the Skybar, visitors were getting down with Shaggy. VIP Party of the Year by the Amber Lounge Our sensational experience was just beginning as Hamilton sped to victory and after all the excitement down on the track we joined the fabulous celebrations with many guests dancing and enjoying the party vibe all night long. The world’s most exclusive Grand Prix after party took place at the fashionable Amber Lounge – hosted at the Yas Links Golf Club. As F1 drivers, pop stars and celebrities gathered together to for post race celebrations it was clear that Amber Lounge was the place to be seen and the hottest party in town. At this sunning new bespoke venue we chilled out on the terrace with refreshments overlooking the beautifully lit Yas Hotel before joining the party of the year inside. As VIP guests we mingled amongst celebrities such as Dannii Minogue, Richard Jones and Victoria Aitken as well as F1 drivers who included – amongst others – Fernando Alonso, Michael Schumacher, Felipe Massa and Nico Rosberg. As we arrived at this exclusive venue the atmosphere inside was already electric with resident DJ Micky keeping the dance floor packed along with the amazing tracks laid down by St Tropez’s celebrated DJ Jack.E. For us, the performance of the night came from the pop sensation Sophie Ellis Bextor who lit up this already hot venue with her awesome renditions of two of her all time classic hits – ‘ Murder on a Dance floor’ and ‘Groovejet (If this ain’t love)’. Everyone was going wild as the party atmosphere continued apace and it was an absolute honour to be part of such an incredible experience where everyone was so upbeat. The last guests left the party at dawn a little jaded yet still full of the excitement of the previous day and evening’s activity. For us this was the perfect way to end a weekend of partying and a fitting finale to a fabulous Formula 1 experience. Thank You Formula One The Abu Dhabi’s Grand Prix weekend offers it all – fast- paced action on the track, exhilarating entertainment off the track and the chance to come together with Formula 1’s finest and the world’s highest profile guests to be part of something unique. We would like to thank everyone at the marina, the circuit, the arena and the Amber Lounge for one of the most incredible and fulfilling experience of our lives. The A&J diaries would not have missed out on this pleasure for the world! simply formula one and the y’re off