Former two-time F1 champion and Global Responsible Drinking Ambassador for Johnnie Walker, Mika Hakkinen, was in Singapore during the F1 week to endorse Johnnie Walker activities. One of the programmes he was involved in was launching the free water taxi shuttle on the Singapore River for party goers over the F1 weekend.

It was a hot day; good for boating - so we did! Mika steered a Chris Craft speedboat across the Singapore River while we had the opportunity to experience the water taxt shuttle service available over the F1 weekend.

But what stood out when Plush spoke to Mika was his passion as a Responsible Drinking Ambassador.

He was appointed by Johnnie Walker as its Responsible Drinking Ambassador in Nov 2006 and Mika's role is to raise awareness on issues of responsible drinking, particularly in relation to driving.

Mika has been actively spreading the message for greater personal responsibility and highlighting the dangers of drinking and driving in over 13 countries across Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia.

"In the simplest form, responsible drinking means that people need to be accountable for their own safety and that of those around them. This means not drinking alcohol on an evening out if you are planning to drive. There are so many options available whether it is appointing a friend to be the designated driver, booking a taxi or using public transport for your journey home. It may sound simple, but unfortunately there are still people who think it is acceptable to drink and drive and I am determined to do all I can to help change these attitudes," says Mika.

The Never Drink and Drive message is at the heart of the Johnnie Walker sponsorship of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One team. Mika was a former McLaren driver. Join the Pact is the latest Responsible Drinking initiative to support the Formula One sponsorship. It is an interactive engagement platform that encourages members of the public to Never Drink and Drive. The global initiative was launched in Singapore in Mar 2008 when Mika demonstrated the importance of staying in control behind the wheel in a McLaren Mercedes MP4-22 race car.