Race? What race? The Shanghai F1 is all about the parties

As with so many of these international events, the actual sporting action at the Shanghai F1 is a sideshow. The event in reality is just an excuse for the jet-set to get together for a jolly good knees-up, and to brush shoulders with the stars of the show. 

So whether you want a dalliance with a driver or are looking to put one on a pit girl, these are the two venues vying to host the celebrity-strewn victory celebrations. 

Bar Rouge -- refurbed and ready to revel. In red.

Premium Shanghai F1 Party spot: 18 on the Bund

First up is the dream team of Riviera Events, promoters of all things prestigious and posh, and that bastion of the beautiful people, Bar Rouge, who are offering to take you “Beyond the Line” for a night of Champagne indulgence and premium partying. 

According to the Riviera folk, “Bar Rouge is the perfect place to hold such a premium event, for socialites, party-goers and F1 drivers alike.”

The Sunday-night, Moët & Chandon-sponsored event also doubles as the unveiling of the refurbished Bar Rouge, but be warned, such are the drivers' reputations for revelry that all cameras are banned, lest you capture their indiscretions for eternity (or a tabloid rag).

The exclusive party is -- naturally, darlings -- by invitation only, but we have a sneaky feeling if you flash the cash you'll be able to book a table by calling the number below.

One way to guarantee entry -- and a charged start to the evening -- is to book a table downstairs at Mr & Mrs Bund, where diners will be treated to a set menu from that master of molecular gastronomy, Paul Pairet, as well as free-flow Moët & Chandon Champagne and wine. When dinner is over, free access will be granted to Bar Rouge upstairs with another complimentary glass of Champagne to get you firing on all cylinders.

Beyond the Line Grand Prix dinner, Mr & Mrs Bund, Bund 18, 6/F, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Nanjing Dong Lu 中山东一路18号外滩18号6楼, 近南京东路. April 18, 6:30pm, RMB 1,500 set dinner includes free-flow Moët & Chandon and wine, access to the party at Bar Rouge, +86 21 6323 9898

Beyond the Line Grand Prix after-party, Bar Rouge, Bund 18, 7/Floor, 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Nanjing Dong Lu 中山东一路18号外滩18号7楼, 近南京东路, April 18, 9pm, +86 21 6339 1199 (table reservations)

M1NT -- fizzy fun with lots of Champagne sponsors.

Premium Shanghai F1 Party spot: M1NT

In the time-honored tradition of the parvenu, the nouveau-riche and Shanghai glitterati at M1NT are looking to out pizzazz their rivals on the Bund with three nights of glitz and glamor.

Friday night is all about Ferrari, who are hosting an exclusive little invitation-only soirée with access restricted to Ferrari guests and M1NT Shanghai Shareholders, while on Saturday the club host the Shanghai F1 Grand Prix Sponsors and Media Night, fueled by Johnnie Walker and Dom Perignon.

The big party, as always, is after the race on Sunday and the one at M1NT is sponsored by Mumm Champagne. Team owners, drivers, sponsors and officials are all touted to be in attendance.

M1NT also offers a posh nosh event pre-Sunday party, this time a private dinner held in their restaurant in aid of M1NT Shanghai Members' Ms Michelle Yeoh and Mr Jean Todt's FIA Foundation Charity. As with Bar Rouge, money talks; cross their palms with silver -- or drop the right member’s name -- and we reckon you'll be crossing their velvet rope and into the realms of restricted access at supersonic speed.

Ferrari Night, April 16, 10pm; Shanghai Formula One Grand Prix Sponsors and Media Night, April 17, 10pm; FIA Foundation Charity a private dinner, April 18, 8pm; Shanghai F1 Closing Party, April 18, 10pm; M1NT, 24/F, 318 Fuzhou Lu, near Shandong Zhong Lu 福州路318号高腾大厦24层, 近山东中路, +86 21 6391 3191, enquiries@M1NTglobal.com