The Bahrain International Circuit hosted its inaugural Formula 1 Grand Prix back in 2004. Formula 1’s first venue in the Middle East was built on the site of a former camel farm in the desert south of Manama.
The event attracted international attention in 2011 when it was first postponed, then cancelled following the government’s suppression of pro-democracy protests in February. Formula One’s presence in Bahrain continues to attract criticism.
Bahrain’s grand prix track is typical of most modern circuits, compromising a few long straights and slow corners. In 2010 a longer version of the track was used but it proved unpopular and was dropped after a single race.
For the 2014 Bahrain Grand Prix floodlights were installed so the main event could be run at night.
Since its inaugural race in 2004, there have been seventeen Formula 1 races held at the Bahrain International Circuit. The Bahrain Grand Prix has been held sixteen times, while the inaugural Sakhir Grand Prix was held on the outer layout of the circuit in 2020.
Eight different drivers have won a race at the Bahrain International Circuit. Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton are the drivers with the most Bahrain Grand Prix wins, having each won on four occasions. Ferrari are the team with the most wins here, having taken victory on six occasions. Mercedes are the engine manufacturer with the most wins at the Bahrain International Circuit, with Mercedes-powered cars winning seven times. German drivers have taken more wins than any other nation, with Sebastian Vettel, Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg contributing six wins to Germany’s tally.
Circuit information
| Lap data | |
| Lap length | 5.412km (3.363 miles) |
| Race laps | 57 |
| Race distance | 308.238km (191.53 miles) |
| Pole position | Left-hand side of the track |
| Lap record* | 1’31.447 (Pedro de la Rosa, 2005) |
| Fastest lap | 1’27.866 (Charles Leclerc, 2019, qualifying three) |
| Maximum speed | 329.6kph (204.804 mph) |
| Distance from grid to turn one | 336.49m |
| Car performance | |
| Full throttle | 72% |
| Longest flat-out section | 1,205m |
| Downforce level | Medium |
| Gear changes per lap | 56 |
| Fuel use per lap | 1.7kg |
| Time penalty per lap of fuel | 0.054s |
| Strategy | |
| Pit lane time loss | 18.9s |
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix








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