Ever since we inked the deal in February, 2022, this multi-year partnership has been the ride of our lives. Together, we’ve taken fan engagement to the next level, with two exclusive NFT auctions — the Monaco Playseat NFT and the Full Charge: Factory Pass NFT — and three films featuring Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez.
Watch it here: The Search for the Next Level
Throughout the season, Oracle Red Bull Racing has been leading the charge and we’ve been showing up at every race to lend our support. For the seventeenth round in the garden city, the Bybit family turned up in full force — 350 of us came to the grandstand, cheering on Oracle Red Bull Racing as they made waves at the apex.
Here’s all the adrenaline-pumping action in the lead up to the Singapore Grand Prix:
T-2: Getting Into The Zone
With a total of 14 driver wins and a strong lead in the constructors, the Oracle Red Bull Racing team had their hearts set on racing and their eyes on the prize. But racing aside, The Next Level Meetup was the first order of business.
Max and Checo on set at The National Gallery Singapore
On Sep 28, 2022, Max and Checo came on set to film The Next Level Tutorial—a lighthearted conversation on the drivers’ crypto journey and what they’ve learned. Stay tuned for the upcoming video in collaboration with the guys from Crypto Beats and a host of exciting driver content!
Our CEO, Ben Zhou, and Max getting interviewed by CNBC reporter, Lee Ying Shan
Following that, Max caught up with our CEO and co-founder, Ben Zhou, as they had a chat with CNBC. Together, they discussed their hopes for the season, turning the tide despite setbacks, and the similarities between the crypto industry and F1 racing. Read the full interview here.
Max flanked by the events and social media team at his surprise birthday party
Just around the corner, the Bybit team was busy setting up a birthday celebration for Max. We showcased our next-level service, pulled out all the stops with balloons, party streamers and a photo pulling cake of Max’s racing highlights. Max, of course, was really surprised and touched by our small gesture, and we spent the afternoon together over delicious cake and good laughs.
Watch our highlight reel here.
Brittany Li, Independent Advisor (moderator); Oliver Hughes, Chief Marketing Officer at Oracle Red Bull Racing; Ben Zhou, Co-Founder and CEO of Bybit
Next up, our CEO, Ben Zhou joined Oliver Hughes, Chief Marketing Officer at Oracle Red Bull Racing, at the All That Matters Panel Discussion. In the one hour fireside chat, we talked about commonalities and strong synergies in innovation and reliability, as well as our plans for more exciting Web3 projects to engage our community.
Read more: The Next Level Meetup: All That Matters Panel Recap
Practice Day: Starting Ignitions
The street circuit of the Singapore Grand Prix is arguably one of the most challenging, with 23 “bumpy” corners coupled with high humidity akin to a steam room. We showcased next-level hospitality at the Sky Suite located at turn two, inviting some of our esteemed partners and affiliates to join us in watching the practice session.
Decked with co-branded logos, neon signs and driver infographics, our guests wined and dined to the roar of the engines, complete with the best views of the circuit.
Qualifying Session: Full Speed Ahead
Day two at our Sky Suite, Max made a special appearance much to the delight of our guests. They got up close and personal with the reigning world champion, getting their photo op and wishing him the best of luck for the qualifying session.
Then, it was time to hit the ground running. Just like crypto trading, it all boils down to the fine margins by the split of a second. The unpredictability of the tropical weather called for quick restrategizing, but every driver was determined to get the best possible grid position.
The copy team with Auntie Fennie, Bybit’s MVP pantry lady
The Bybuddies took their places at the grandstand, positioned right in front of Oracle Red Bull Racing’s pit, where the rubber hit the road.
Drivers competed wheel to wheel in a fierce battle for pole position, while the crowd oohed and aahed at every tense moment. With wet tracks from the morning’s heavy showers, havoc ensued for the race with multiple driver skids and several yellow flags.
With a five-time winning streak under his belt, Max was well on his way to winning the world championship. The Dutchman displayed stellar driving performance, but alas, was forced to abandon the last qualifying lap due to a fuel tank running low, ultimately finishing with P8.
On the other hand, Checo showed great form on track with amazing pace. We cheered him on as he crossed the finishing line, landing an overall P2 position.
Race Day: Glory on the Tracks
To say that race day was exhilarating would be an understatement. Just one hour prior to the race, dark clouds loomed and a downpour ensued. But in the thick of F1 fever, nothing could dampen the spirits of racing teams and fans alike.
This time, Team Principal, Christian Horner graced our Sky Suite with his presence, shortly before heading to the paddock. Saying a friendly hello to our guests, he shared tips and secrets on Oracle Red Bull Racing’s keys to success for this season. Then it was off to the races!
The atmosphere was electrifying, with the deafening revv of the engines and fine mist sprayed from cars racing at high velocity. Throughout the race, we were on the edge of our seats, hoping that no major accidents would occur on the slick track.
Max, despite not starting out from the best position, showed bullish determination — battling it out then skidding and dropping down to twelfth place, but once again fighting hard to ultimately gain seventh place.
As for Checo, he proved he was a force to be reckoned with. The Minister of Defense showed that he too can attack, zooming into the lead before the first turn and maintaining his position throughout the two-hour long race.
The crowd was in raptures as Checo passed the checkered flag, with fireworks erupting in celebration. To see our partners and our logo flying high on the podium was an absolute honor, and for us at Bybit, we were beaming with pride.
The Red Bull afterparty at SKAI, Swissôtel
What is F1 without an after party? We took the triumphant high to the skies, partying the night away and clinking glasses to celebrate Checo’s amazing win together with the team at the official Red Bull After Party.
The F1 Singapore Grand Prix may be over, but the adrenaline high certainly isn’t. We’ll be rooting for the Oracle Red Bull Racing team till the end of the season, and we have more exciting fan engagement plans coming your way!In the meantime, check out Bybit Race Insider to get up to speed on all Bybit x Oracle Red Bull Racing content and stay tuned for more thrills on wheels.
Till the next race!
