The ceo magazine sits down with sonia irvine, founder of grand prix nightlife icon amber lounge.
For 15 years, Sonia Irvine has delivered unforgettable VIP weekends to Amber Lounge guests, pioneering Formula 1’s nightlife experiences. An F1 event at Amber Lounge – where fashion, fine dining, charity auctions, race-viewing hospitality and performances by international DJs come together – has become synonymous with the glamour of the Grand Prix.
Her sought-after experiences are renowned for being chic and energetic and include exclusive F1 race-viewing and hospitality packages aboard celebrity superyachts, as well as post-race afterparties and tailor-made events throughout the year.
Irvine’s entry to the world of Formula 1 was via her brother, Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine, as physiotherapist to Eddie and then the entire F1 team, before launching her multimillion-dollar venture Amber Lounge in 2003.
The CEO Magazine meets the woman behind the VIP events to find out what happens behind the scenes and how she pulls it off year after year.
How did you come up with your idea for Amber Lounge and how did you start your business?
Sonia Irvine: We were with five or six drivers, driving around Brazil, our last race of the season, trying to find somewhere we could celebrate together and have fun, but there wasn’t anything – a real anticlimax. The teams did their own parties but there wasn’t any place where everyone could come together and celebrate. So that’s how the idea was born for a party platform for everyone, no matter what team or what sponsor, everyone would be a VIP and be safe inside Amber Lounge; there wouldn’t be any media inside and they could all relax together and celebrate.
What is the biggest challenge for you as a globally recognised entrepreneur?
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