Heineken

Column

I watched the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from the Heineken Pit Wall Bar

I watched the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from the Heineken Pit Wall Bar

15-12-2021 10:30
4
Author profile picture

Matt Gretton

Editor-in-Chief

All Formula 1 fans were extremely lucky in 2021 to witness such a special season. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix certainly played its part in that and I was extremely lucky to watch the season finale unfold on the Heineken Pit Wall Bar. The Heineken Pit Wall Bar added extra dimensions to the race and at times felt like I was at the Yas Marina Circuit, trackside. 

The Heineken Pit Wall Bar 

The Heineken Pit Wall Bar imitated the Red Bull Honda pit wall in Abu Dhabi. It came fitted with a TV and iPad allowing me to see live footage of the race and timing screens simultaneously. The timing screen came fit with all the required information, such as sector times, tyre age and whether or not the DRS was open! 

In addition, the headphones gave me an extra ingredient of realism. Hearing the team radio, and therefore cars zoom pass, made me feel like I was eavesdropping on critical situations. None more so than the crucial debate about letting the lapped cars in-between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen overtake behind the safety car. 

All of this combined was topped off by having ice-cold Heineken 0.0 beer within reach. Having the Heineken glasses and beer pump within reach meant I didn't even miss one second of the race, even when reaching for refreshments. Thus creating the ultimate watch-from-home Formula 1 experience. 

Foot tapping 

The delivery came with chair stalls. Once Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barrier and the safety car deployed, my foot started to tap on the chair as we waited to see when/if the safety car would return to the pit lane. 

Just like Red Bull Racing team boss, Christian Horner has done over the years, my foot was tapping to the nerves and anticipation of what was to come next. The only thing missing was a button to radio in on Max Verstappen to congratulate him on winning the 2021 World Championship, and another button to send Lewis Hamilton a message of commiserations. 

Thanks to Heineken, I couldn’t think of a better way of watching the 2021 season finale at home! 

Global F1® partner Heineken® have been celebrating with fans around the world with unique music performances throughout the 2021 season. For more info search #HeinekenF1