As we head into the opening race of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship, the first track on the calendar celebrates its 20th anniversary.
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Circuit Stats
| Track Length | 5.412km |
| Number of Laps | 57 |
| Race Lap Record | 1:31.447 (Pedro De La Rosa – 2005) |
| Track Lap Record | 1:27.264 (Lewis Hamilton – 2020) |
| First Grand Prix | 2004 |
| First Race Winner | Michael Schumacher |
| 2023 Race Winner | Max Verstappen |
Circuit History
The history of the Bahrain International Circuit has certainly been impressive. On 4th April 2004, Bahrain hosted the first Formula 1 Grand Prix in the Middle East. Located in the heart of the Sakhir desert, the Bahrain International Circuit is an ultra-modern motorsports facility that incorporates multiple features of local culture. At a cost of $150million, a major redevelopment of the land was needed to construct the circuit . Remarkably, the entire facility took less than 18 months to build.
Work began in October 2002, with the original schedule estimating that it would take two years to fully complete. However, Bernie Ecclestone posed the question of whether it could be brought forward by six months. The “keys” to the circuit were presented to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Kalifa on 17th March 2004. This was just 496 days after the first ground was broken in the Sakhir desert.
Featuring five FIA certified track layouts (more than anywhere else in the world), the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend has seen its fair share of changes.
2004 – 2013
Bahrain took its place as the third race on the calendar in 2004 and 2005. In 2006, it swapped places with the traditional season opener (the Australian Grand Prix). This was due to a clash with the Commonwealth Games, which were hosted in Melbourne that year. In 2009, Bahrain moved to the fourth race on the calendar.
2010 saw the Bahrain International Circuit hosting the pre-season testing, and once more hosting the first race of the season. The race was held on the full 6.299km “Endurance Circuit” as part of Formula 1’s “diamond jubilee” celebrations. The race reverted back to the usual track layout for 2011, but protests in the country initially caused the race to be postponed. It was ultimately cancelled before returning to the F1 calendar in 2012.
2014 – Present Day
In 2014, the track was celebrating its 10th anniversary and scheduled their first ever night race. Racing under the lights in the desert has become a famous feature of the Bahrain Grand Prix ever since. The circuit hosted two races in 2020 as a result of the revised calendar following the Covid-19 pandemic. The Bahrain Grand Prix used the standard layout that we’re all used to. The Sakhir Grand Prix, used the alternative “Outer Circuit” layout, which featured a mighty 87 laps around a 3.543km track.
The Bahrain Grand Prix is now known for being one of the most atmospheric and exciting races on the F1 calendar. It has also become one of the most-watched on live TV by F1 fans worldwide.
Iconic Moment
There have been many outstanding moments across the Bahrain International Circuit’s history, but one in particular shocked the world. In 2020, Romain Grosjean defied all odds after a shocking crash on the opening lap of the race. He hurtled into the barriers at 192kph (with a 67G impact). The Haas snapped completely in half and ignited into a fireball. The front half of the car smashed through the triple-guardrail barrier, leaving Grosjean trapped; wedged between the barriers, and making an escape almost impossible. As the fire continued to rage, fans, teams, and drivers alike all began to fear the worst. But from the flames, Grosjean emerged, clambering over the barrier and escaping with his life. His injuries were enough to put an early end to his final season in F1. However, his incredible survival story will no doubt be a talking point for years to come.
What’s your iconic Bahrain Grand Prix moment? Let us know in the comments!