From The Straits Times    |

We headed to a number of media appearances and got to hang out with a few of the Formula One racers, who were in town for the weekend. We saw a different side of the boys, off the track – Nico Rosberg charmed us with his witty humour, Felipe Massa put his dedication on display and Michael Schumacher showed that he was a class act.

Here are the highlights!

THE CHARMER 
A Night with Nico Rosberg by Puma
Picture this: A VIP bar filled with celebrities, a round of G&Ts, a fashion show and an exclusive interview with one of motor racing’s biggest heirs – is that not enough assurance of a good night?

Formula One driver, Nico Rosberg, whose father is the 1982 Formula One World Champion, sat amid a hush-hush atmosphere inside the dimly-lit room at Butter Factory.

He conversed effortlessly in various languages with members of the international media and impressed us deeply…nothing like a multilingual gentleman!

Now, we spoke to the German daredevil of Mercedes AMG Petronas briefly – it had been a long day of interviews and the 27-year-old looked a little weary, but welcomed us with a wide grin. He stood up as us ladies sat down and I swear, heaven opened and angels started singing in praise of his impeccable manners.

HWP: What would you be doing if you weren’t racing?
NR: I would be a soccer player! I don’t know if I have the talent to play soccer…probably not, but that’s what I would love to do.
HWP: Fill in the blank. I bring the same ______ to a relationship as I do on the track.
NR: Commitment.
HWP: Complete the sentence: I like my women like I like my cars ________.
NR: Easy to handle. (laughs)
HWP: You’re constantly associated with speed…is there anything that you like or would prefer to do slow?
NR: Taking my time to enjoy food, for example, with the company of my friends.
HWP: With the Grand Prix you tend to have to travel a lot, so what do you miss most about home?
NR: Just the comfort of being at home, you know? Hotels will never be as comfortable as being at home, in your own place, in your own bed… Just the feeling of comfort.

He then graciously acquiesced to my request for a picture, which went on to get me the highest number of “likes” I’ve ever received on Instagram. So thank you, Nico, for helping me reach a personal best on the photo-sharing platform. #nightmade

THE DEVOTED HUBBY
The next day, I incorporated Ferrari’s signature colours of red and black into my outfit and headed to their store at Marina Bay Sands (MBS). Outside, I saw a group of about 50 fans and curious onlookers, cameras in hand, anticipating the arrival of Felipe Massa.

In the store were hordes of photographers, with an agenda that was not much different from those outside – everyone seemed to want a piece of the Brazilian Formula One driver. And he certainly didn’t disappoint. When the moment came, he arrived, looking spiffy in jeans and Ferrari gear.

During the Q&A session, a lady elbowed her way through the crowd to get her pressing question answered: “Local ladies or local food?”. 

The amused driver replied, “Local food…you see, now I have a wife and kids. That’s why local food,” he said to laughter from the audience.

With that kind of devotion, who wouldn’t want to be the leading lady of his life?

Overheard at the event were a number of ladies who were gushing about his commitment. Also spotted, were their not-too-pleased husbands.

THE CLASS ACT
Later on in the afternoon, I walked into the Mercedes Benz showroom at Alexandra Road and it was the picture of perfect calm…until I arrived at  the second floor.

A 300-strong crowd of fans and the media gathered to see Michael Schumacher, the legendary Formula One racer, who was scheduled to make an appearance.

The dashing driver induced chants of “Michael, Michael, Michael” which weren’t heard at other meet and greets, and reverberated through the showroom.

I must say, it was his genial smile and assured ease that made him such an utter crowd-pleaser. Not once did he appear frazzled.

With his seasoned grace, he stopped on multiple occasions to take pictures with his young fans; sending most into a dizzying euphoria. The German seemed experienced, having done this almost a million times, which reminded me that this one’s a pro.

Gleefully, I walked out of the showroom envisioning myself triumphantly thrusting pictures of the stars to my friends over dinner.