| Date | April 11th-13th |
|---|---|
| Circuit Length | 5.412 km |
| Laps | 57 |
| Lap Record | 1:31.447 – Pedro de la Rosa (2005) |
| Previous Winner | Max Verstappen – Red Bull (2024) |
History of the F1 Bahrain GP
Construction of the Bahrain International Circuit began in December 2002, transforming the desert landscape into a state-of-the-art motorsport venue. Like the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, the designers had a blank canvas of sand to create a challenging and technical 5.4 km track, masterfully designed by Hermann Tilke.
The inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix took place in 2004, under an unusually overcast sky. The race was a showcase of Ferrari’s dominance that season, with Michael Schumacher taking victory ahead of his teammate Rubens Barrichello. Fans were also thrilled by an intense battle between Mark Webber in his Jaguar and Fernando Alonso driving for Renault, adding excitement to this historic event.
The Bahrain GP has since become a key fixture in the Formula 1 race schedule, attracting top performances from the world’s best Formula 1 Grand Prix drivers.
Grosjean’s 2020 Bahrain GP Crash
Romain Grosjean’s crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix was one of the most dramatic and harrowing incidents in recent Formula 1 history. On the opening lap of the race, Grosjean’s car collided with Daniil Kvyat’s and veered into the barriers at high speed. The impact split the car in two and caused a massive fireball.
Miraculously, Grosjean managed to escape from the inferno with only burns to his hands and ankles, thanks to the quick response of the marshals, medical team, and the advanced safety features of modern F1 cars, including the halo. The incident underscored the importance of continued improvements in motorsport safety.
Circuit Specifications
- Corners: 15
- DRS Zones: 3
- Pit Stop Strategies: Sakhir’s heat and abrasive track cause high tire wear, favoring two-stop strategies with hard and medium compounds
- Most Used Tires: Hard and medium compounds are typically the most reliable choices
Bahrain consistently delivers exciting racing with plenty of overtaking opportunities. Drivers face unique challenges, including gusty winds, the spectacle of racing under floodlights, and the tricky task of adjusting car setups to handle the wide temperature swings between sessions.
One of the toughest sections on the track is the downhill, off-camber Turn 10, a left-hander that demands precision and patience. Meanwhile, the high-speed sweep through Turn 12 provides a thrilling moment for drivers to push their limits and feel their cars come alive. As fans follow the action and track the Formula 1 World Championship standings, Bahrain remains a key venue for showcasing the skills of Formula 1 teams and drivers alike.
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F1 Bahrain GP FAQs
- Who has won the most Bahrain Grand Prix races?
Lewis Hamilton holds the record with 5 wins.
- What Formula 1 team has the most wins in Bahrain?
Ferrari leads with 7 victories. - What is the average speed of the Bahrain International Circuit?
The average speed is approximately 200 km/h.