Bahrain Grand Prix: Sakhir Circuit Guide, History and Records
The Bahrain Grand Prix has been one of Formula 1’s most important international events since the championship first visited the Bahrain International Circuit in 2004. Located at Sakhir, south of Manama, the venue became the first circuit in the Middle East to host a Formula 1 World Championship race and has developed into a familiar test of braking performance, traction, tyre management and racing under floodlights.
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will be an exceptional edition. Rather than taking place at the Bahrain International Circuit, the event will be staged at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia from Friday 2 October to Sunday 4 October 2026.
Formula 1, the FIA and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia agreed to move the event amid ongoing regional challenges, with the safety and wellbeing of teams, officials, volunteers and spectators identified as a central priority. The official event name is the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026.
The race therefore retains its Bahrain Grand Prix identity even though it is being held at Sepang, a venue that previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix between 1999 and 2017. The 2026 arrangement preserves the Bahrain event while bringing Formula 1 back to one of Asia’s most highly regarded circuits.
2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia at a glance
| Official event | Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 |
|---|---|
| Dates | 2–4 October 2026 |
| Championship round | Round 16 |
| 2026 venue | Sepang International Circuit |
| Location | Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia |
| Weekend format | Standard Grand Prix weekend |
| Sepang circuit length | 5.543 km |
| Number of laps | 56 |
| Race distance | 310.408 km |
| Race start | Sunday 4 October at 15:00 local time |
| Traditional Bahrain GP venue | Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir |
| First Bahrain Grand Prix | 2004 |
2026 Bahrain Grand Prix schedule at Sepang
The event follows the conventional Formula 1 format, with two practice sessions on Friday, final practice and qualifying on Saturday, and the Grand Prix on Sunday.
| Session | Date | Local Malaysian time |
|---|---|---|
| Free Practice 1 | Friday 2 October | 12:30–13:30 |
| Free Practice 2 | Friday 2 October | 16:00–17:00 |
| Free Practice 3 | Saturday 3 October | 12:30–13:30 |
| Qualifying | Saturday 3 October | 16:00–17:00 |
| Race | Sunday 4 October | 15:00 |
All times are local Sepang time and remain subject to timetable changes by Formula 1, the FIA or the event organiser.
You can also consult the complete 2026 Formula 1 schedule and race results, the latest Formula 1 driver standings and the current constructor standings.
Why is the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix being held in Malaysia?
Formula 1 and the FIA confirmed the Sepang arrangement in July 2026 following discussions involving the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia, Bahrain International Circuit and Sepang International Circuit.
The solution allows the championship to retain the Bahrain Grand Prix on the 2026 calendar despite ongoing regional challenges that would otherwise have prevented the event from taking place. The FIA emphasised that the safety and wellbeing of teams, officials, volunteers and supporters remained the highest priority during the process.
Malaysia agreed to host the race from 2 to 4 October, placing it between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix. This creates a logical Asian sequence while allowing Formula 1 to return to Sepang for the first time since 2017.
The arrangement should not be confused with a conventional revival of the Malaysian Grand Prix. The event is officially the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, with Bahrain retaining the race identity and Sepang serving as the host venue for the exceptional 2026 edition.
Bahrain Grand Prix or Malaysian Grand Prix?
| Event identity | Venue | Relevant history |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix | Sepang International Circuit | Part of Bahrain Grand Prix history |
| Traditional Bahrain Grand Prix | Bahrain International Circuit | Held at Sakhir from 2004 |
| Malaysian Grand Prix | Sepang International Circuit | Held from 1999 to 2017 |
The distinction is important when discussing winners and records. Lewis Hamilton remains the most successful Bahrain Grand Prix driver, while Sebastian Vettel holds the record for the most Malaysian Grand Prix victories. Sepang’s existing circuit lap records also remain relevant because the 2026 race uses the same venue.
What happened at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix?
Oscar Piastri delivered a controlled victory for McLaren at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix after starting from pole position. George Russell finished second for Mercedes, with Lando Norris taking third place in the second McLaren.
Charles Leclerc finished fourth for Ferrari after qualifying third. Lewis Hamilton recovered from ninth on the grid to finish fifth, giving Ferrari a combined total of 22 points from the weekend.
Piastri’s victory was McLaren’s first at the Bahrain Grand Prix. He also completed a weekend hat-trick by taking pole position, winning the race and setting the fastest lap.
Recent Bahrain Grand Prix winners
| Year | Winner | Team | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | Sakhir |
| 2024 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | Sakhir |
| 2023 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | Sakhir |
| 2022 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | Sakhir |
| 2021 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Sakhir |
| 2020 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Sakhir |
| 2019 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Sakhir |
| 2018 | Sebastian Vettel | Ferrari | Sakhir |
| 2017 | Sebastian Vettel | Ferrari | Sakhir |
| 2016 | Nico Rosberg | Mercedes | Sakhir |
Bahrain International Circuit information
| Official circuit name | Bahrain International Circuit |
|---|---|
| Location | Sakhir, Bahrain |
| First Formula 1 Grand Prix | 2004 |
| Grand Prix circuit length | 5.412 km |
| Race laps | 57 |
| Race distance | 308.238 km |
| Number of corners | 15 |
| Track direction | Clockwise |
| Official race lap record | 1:31.447 – Pedro de la Rosa, McLaren, 2005 |
| Fastest qualifying lap | 1:27.264 – Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 2020 |
| Most Bahrain GP victories | Lewis Hamilton – five |
| Most successful constructor | Ferrari – seven victories |
| First night race | 2014 |
What makes the Bahrain International Circuit distinctive?
The Bahrain International Circuit was built in the desert at Sakhir and opened in 2004. The Grand Prix layout combines long straights with several major braking zones, slow traction-dependent corners and faster sections that place different demands on the car.
The circuit’s wide track surface permits drivers to use alternative lines, particularly into Turns 1 and 4. That width has helped produce frequent overtaking and side-by-side racing, especially when tyre strategies place cars with different levels of grip together on track.
The desert environment creates additional complications. Strong winds can carry sand onto the circuit, reducing grip away from the racing line and changing conditions between sessions. Wind direction can also affect braking points, straight-line speed and the aerodynamic balance of the car.
Since 2014, the Bahrain Grand Prix has been held under floodlights. Temperatures normally fall as the evening develops, meaning the track can behave differently during daytime practice and the later qualifying and race sessions.
A lap of the Bahrain International Circuit
Main straight and Turn 1
The Bahrain lap begins with a long run towards Turn 1, one of the circuit’s clearest overtaking opportunities. Drivers approach at high speed before braking heavily for a tight right-hand corner.
Turn 1 is followed immediately by the left-hand Turn 2 and the faster Turn 3. A clean exit is essential because the cars accelerate onto another straight leading towards Turn 4.
Turn 4
Turn 4 is a wide right-hander reached after another significant braking event. Drivers can attempt several lines through the corner, which frequently produces side-by-side racing.
Running too deep compromises traction on exit, while defending too aggressively may allow a rival to switch back and gain the advantage during acceleration.
Turns 5, 6 and 7
The circuit then moves into a faster sequence of direction changes. These corners place greater emphasis on aerodynamic balance and a responsive front end.
Drivers must carry speed without overworking the tyres or destabilising the car over the kerbs. The correct positioning through Turn 7 is also important for the approach to the slower Turn 8.
Turns 8, 9 and 10
Turn 8 is a slow right-hander followed by one of Bahrain’s most difficult braking sequences. Drivers accelerate through the curved Turn 9 while simultaneously preparing to brake for Turn 10.
Turn 10 is a tight downhill left-hander where the front-left tyre can lock easily. The steering angle, downhill approach and braking load make this one of the most technically demanding corners on the circuit.
Turns 11, 12 and 13
After another straight, drivers enter the faster left-hand Turn 11. The corner leads into the flowing Turn 12, where aerodynamic confidence becomes particularly important.
Turn 13 then requires the car to rotate efficiently before accelerating onto the back section of the lap. Understeer through this sequence can cost time and damage the front tyres.
Turns 14 and 15
The final conventional corner is Turn 14, a medium-speed right-hander that effectively continues through the gentle Turn 15. Drivers need to apply the throttle cleanly because the exit leads onto the long start-finish straight.
A weak exit leaves a car vulnerable to the slipstream and DRS before Turn 1, while strong traction can create an opportunity to attack the driver ahead.
Sakhir setup and technical demands
Bahrain places heavy emphasis on braking performance and rear-tyre traction. Several corners require drivers to slow the car dramatically before accelerating onto long straights, making stability under braking and traction on exit central to lap time.
Rear-tyre degradation can influence strategy because repeated acceleration from slow corners creates wheelspin and thermal stress. Drivers must balance early-race pace against the need to protect the tyres over longer stints.
Teams usually select a medium-downforce configuration. Sufficient aerodynamic grip is required through the faster middle-sector corners, but excessive drag leaves the car vulnerable along the main straights.
Brake cooling must also be managed carefully. The circuit contains several major braking events, while warm ambient conditions can reduce the effectiveness of cooling systems.
The transition from daytime practice to evening qualifying and racing complicates setup work. Cooler track temperatures can alter grip, tyre warm-up and balance, making the representative second practice session particularly valuable.
History of the Bahrain Grand Prix
The Bahrain International Circuit was constructed as part of the country’s effort to establish itself as a major international motorsport destination. Formula 1 held the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix on 4 April 2004, making it the first World Championship race staged in the Middle East.
Michael Schumacher won the opening event for Ferrari ahead of teammate Rubens Barrichello. The result gave the Scuderia a one-two finish and immediately connected Ferrari with one of the championship’s newest venues.
The race became a regular part of the Formula 1 calendar, although different configurations were occasionally used. The longer Endurance Circuit hosted the 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix before Formula 1 returned to the familiar Grand Prix layout.
The 2011 event was postponed and subsequently cancelled amid political unrest associated with the Arab Spring. Formula 1 returned in 2012, although the decision remained the subject of significant international debate.
Bahrain became a night race in 2014 to mark the tenth anniversary of the inaugural Grand Prix. The floodlit event produced a memorable battle between Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
In 2020, Bahrain hosted two Formula 1 races as the championship adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bahrain Grand Prix used the normal layout, while the following Sakhir Grand Prix took place on the short and extremely fast Outer Circuit.
Memorable Bahrain Grand Prix moments
Ferrari begins with a one-two in 2004
Michael Schumacher controlled the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix, with Rubens Barrichello completing a Ferrari one-two. The result formed part of Schumacher’s dominant final World Championship season with the Scuderia.
Felipe Massa wins twice
Felipe Massa won consecutive Bahrain Grands Prix for Ferrari in 2007 and 2008. Both victories demonstrated his speed at circuits requiring strong braking and traction performance.
Fernando Alonso wins on his Ferrari debut
Fernando Alonso won the 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix in his first race for Ferrari. Felipe Massa finished second, giving the team another one-two result at Sakhir.
The 2014 Duel in the Desert
Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg fought intensely for victory during Bahrain’s first night race. Hamilton resisted repeated attacks from his Mercedes teammate following a late Safety Car and secured the win after a prolonged wheel-to-wheel battle.
Charles Leclerc’s 2019 heartbreak
Charles Leclerc secured the first pole position of his Formula 1 career at the 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix and appeared set to claim his maiden victory.
A power-unit problem reduced his speed late in the race, allowing Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas to pass. Leclerc still finished third and earned his first Formula 1 podium.
Romain Grosjean’s 2020 escape
Romain Grosjean survived a major opening-lap accident during the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix. His Haas penetrated the barrier and caught fire, but Grosjean was able to escape from the cockpit.
The incident led to further examination of barrier design, fire protection and driver-safety equipment, while also demonstrating the importance of the halo and modern racing overalls.
Sergio Perez wins the Sakhir Grand Prix
One week after the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, Sergio Perez recovered from an opening-lap collision and the back of the field to win the separate Sakhir Grand Prix on the Outer Circuit.
The victory was Perez’s first in Formula 1 and came after Mercedes lost a potential one-two through pit-stop problems and a late puncture for George Russell.
Ferrari returns to victory in 2022
Charles Leclerc won the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix after a close early battle with Max Verstappen. Carlos Sainz finished second, giving Ferrari its first one-two since the 2019 Singapore Grand Prix.
The victory ended Ferrari’s 45-race winless run and began the new ground-effect regulatory era with the Scuderia at the front.
Ferrari’s Bahrain Grand Prix record
Ferrari is the most successful constructor in Bahrain Grand Prix history, with seven victories at the Bahrain International Circuit.
| Year | Ferrari winner |
|---|---|
| 2004 | Michael Schumacher |
| 2007 | Felipe Massa |
| 2008 | Felipe Massa |
| 2010 | Fernando Alonso |
| 2017 | Sebastian Vettel |
| 2018 | Sebastian Vettel |
| 2022 | Charles Leclerc |
Ferrari has also completed three Bahrain Grand Prix one-two finishes: Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello in 2004, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa in 2010, and Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in 2022.
Bahrain Grand Prix records and statistics
- First Bahrain Grand Prix: 2004.
- First Formula 1 race in the Middle East: 2004 Bahrain Grand Prix.
- Most driver victories: Lewis Hamilton, with five.
- Most successful constructor: Ferrari, with seven victories.
- Official Sakhir race lap record: Pedro de la Rosa, 1:31.447 in 2005.
- Fastest qualifying lap: Lewis Hamilton, 1:27.264 in 2020.
- First night edition: 2014.
- Cancelled edition: 2011.
- Endurance Circuit edition: 2010.
- Separate Outer Circuit race: 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix.
- Most recent Ferrari victory: Charles Leclerc in 2022.
- Most recent Sakhir winner: Oscar Piastri in 2025.
Sepang International Circuit information for the 2026 Bahrain GP
| Official circuit name | Sepang International Circuit |
|---|---|
| Location | Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia |
| First Formula 1 Grand Prix | 1999 |
| Circuit length | 5.543 km |
| Race laps | 56 |
| Race distance | 310.408 km |
| Number of corners | 15 |
| Track direction | Clockwise |
| Official race lap record | 1:34.080 – Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, 2017 |
| Fastest qualifying lap | 1:30.076 – Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 2017 |
| Last Formula 1 race before 2026 | 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix |
| 2017 winner | Max Verstappen, Red Bull |
| Most successful constructor at Sepang | Ferrari |
What kind of circuit is Sepang?
Sepang was designed by Hermann Tilke and opened in 1999. Its broad racing surface, long straights, heavy braking zones and mixture of fast and slow corners helped establish the design principles later seen at many modern Formula 1 venues.
The circuit is wide enough to encourage several racing lines and provides genuine overtaking opportunities. Drivers can attack under braking into Turns 1, 4, 9 and 15, while the two long straights make aerodynamic efficiency and straight-line speed important.
Sepang is also known for fast, flowing sequences such as Turns 5 and 6. These corners require aerodynamic confidence and place sustained loads through the tyres.
Heat and humidity add a physical challenge for drivers and place stress on cooling systems. Tropical rain can arrive with little warning, rapidly changing grip and visibility and creating the possibility of mixed-weather strategy.
A lap of the Sepang International Circuit
Turns 1 and 2
The lap begins with a long main straight leading into a tight right-hand Turn 1. The corner offers a strong overtaking opportunity because the circuit is wide and drivers can attempt several lines under braking.
Turn 1 immediately feeds into the slow left-hand Turn 2. Drivers need to position the car carefully because a compromised exit reduces acceleration towards the next section.
Turn 3 and Turn 4
Turn 3 is a long right-hand acceleration zone leading towards the heavy braking point at Turn 4. Drivers can use the slipstream and attempt an overtake into the sharp right-hander.
Rear stability and traction are important because Turn 4 leads into one of the fastest parts of the circuit.
Turns 5 and 6
The high-speed left-right sequence of Turns 5 and 6 is one of Sepang’s defining challenges. Drivers need a stable aerodynamic platform and confidence to carry speed through both corners.
A mistake at the first part compromises the entire sequence, while excessive understeer can force the car away from the ideal line and increase tyre stress.
Turns 7 and 8
Turns 7 and 8 form a double right-hand sequence. The first part is faster, while the second tightens and requires drivers to control the car’s rotation before accelerating towards Turn 9.
Turn 9 and the middle sector
Turn 9 is a slow uphill left-hander and another potential overtaking point. The corner demands strong braking and traction, particularly when the rear tyres begin to degrade.
The following section contains a mixture of medium-speed corners where balance and tyre management become increasingly important.
Turns 12 and 13
Turns 12 and 13 create another fast change of direction. The car must remain predictable as the driver commits to the first corner and prepares immediately for the second.
Aerodynamic instability or overheating tyres can produce significant time loss through this section.
Turn 14 and the final hairpin
Turn 14 is a long right-hander leading onto the back straight. Exit speed is crucial because the following straight provides one of the best overtaking opportunities on the lap.
Drivers then brake heavily for the Turn 15 hairpin. The final corner is wide and allows different approaches, but a poor exit leaves the car vulnerable along the entire main straight.
Sepang setup and technical demands
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang will require teams to balance aerodynamic grip against straight-line efficiency. The circuit contains two major straights but also several fast corners where downforce creates substantial lap time.
A medium-to-high-downforce setup may provide confidence through Turns 5, 6, 12 and 13, but excessive drag could make overtaking and defending more difficult.
Tyre management will be influenced by high temperatures, sustained cornering loads and several traction zones. Teams will need to understand how the 2026 cars and tyres behave at a venue that has not hosted Formula 1 under the current regulations.
Cooling will be another priority. Malaysia’s heat and humidity can place additional stress on the power unit, brakes, battery systems and driver.
Rain remains a major strategic uncertainty. Sudden tropical downpours can produce standing water and rapidly change the fastest tyre choice, while one part of the circuit may be wet as another remains relatively dry.
Explore the latest developments in our Ferrari technical analysis archive, including SF-26 setup choices, aerodynamic configuration, cooling and tyre behaviour during the Sepang weekend.
Ferrari’s Formula 1 history at Sepang
Ferrari has an exceptional record at Sepang and is the most successful constructor from the circuit’s Malaysian Grand Prix era.
Eddie Irvine won the inaugural Malaysian Grand Prix in 1999, leading Michael Schumacher home in a Ferrari one-two. Schumacher then won at Sepang in 2000, 2001 and 2004.
Kimi Räikkönen won for Ferrari in 2008 during his title-defending season. Fernando Alonso produced a memorable wet-weather victory in 2012 after starting eighth.
Ferrari’s most recent Sepang victory came in 2015, when Sebastian Vettel defeated the Mercedes drivers in only his second Grand Prix for the Scuderia. The result was Vettel’s first Ferrari win.
| Year | Ferrari winner at Sepang |
|---|---|
| 1999 | Eddie Irvine |
| 2000 | Michael Schumacher |
| 2001 | Michael Schumacher |
| 2004 | Michael Schumacher |
| 2008 | Kimi Räikkönen |
| 2012 | Fernando Alonso |
| 2015 | Sebastian Vettel |
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix therefore takes Ferrari to a venue where the team has won seven times, although none of those results were officially Bahrain Grand Prix victories.
Frequently asked questions about the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix
When is the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix?
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will take place from Friday 2 October to Sunday 4 October. The race is scheduled to begin at 15:00 local Malaysian time on Sunday.
Where is the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix being held?
The event will be held at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia rather than the Bahrain International Circuit at Sakhir.
Why was the Bahrain Grand Prix moved to Malaysia?
Formula 1, the FIA and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia agreed to the arrangement amid ongoing regional challenges. The FIA stated that safety and wellbeing remained the highest priority throughout the process.
Is this the return of the Malaysian Grand Prix?
Not officially. Sepang is hosting the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The event retains the Bahrain Grand Prix name and identity.
Will the 2026 race count as a Bahrain Grand Prix?
Yes. The event appears on the official championship calendar as the Bahrain Grand Prix, although it is being held at Sepang International Circuit.
How long is the Sepang circuit?
Sepang is 5.543 kilometres long. The race will cover 56 laps and a total distance of 310.408 kilometres.
Who holds the Sepang lap record?
Sebastian Vettel holds the official race lap record with a 1:34.080 set for Ferrari during the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix.
When did Formula 1 last race at Sepang?
The previous Formula 1 event at the circuit was the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix, won by Max Verstappen for Red Bull.
Who has won the most Bahrain Grands Prix?
Lewis Hamilton holds the Bahrain Grand Prix record with five victories.
Which team has won the Bahrain Grand Prix most often?
Ferrari is the most successful constructor with seven Bahrain Grand Prix victories.
When did Ferrari last win the Bahrain Grand Prix?
Charles Leclerc delivered Ferrari’s most recent Bahrain Grand Prix victory in 2022, leading Carlos Sainz home in a one-two finish.
Is the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix a Sprint weekend?
No. It is scheduled as a standard Formula 1 weekend with three practice sessions, qualifying and Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Follow Ferrari at the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
ScuderiaFans will provide complete coverage of Ferrari’s return to Sepang for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, including practice reports, qualifying analysis, race results, technical developments, tyre information, strategy assessments and reactions from Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and the Maranello team.
Visit our dedicated 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix archive for the latest Ferrari news from Sepang.
