Bahrain International Circuit

The Bahrain International Circuit, commonly known as Sakhir, is one of the most iconic and unique tracks in the Formula 1 calendar. Located in the desert kingdom of Bahrain, the circuit was purpose-built for Formula 1 and opened its doors in 2004. It made history as the first Formula 1 race ever held in the Middle East, and has since delivered some of the most thrilling races in recent years.

The Bahrain Grand Prix is a staple on the calendar, known for its stunning desert backdrop, high-speed straights, and intricate technical sections. It remains a fan favorite and a vital race in the championship, as it marked the season opener in many recent years.

The creation of the Bahrain International Circuit was a groundbreaking moment for Formula 1, with Bernie Ecclestone, the then-CEO of Formula 1, eager to bring the sport to emerging markets in the Middle East and Asia. The project was championed by Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince of Bahrain, who recognized the opportunity to elevate his country on the global stage.

Although construction was initially delayed, the circuit eventually held its first race in 2004, and the race has taken place almost every year since, except for 2011, when political unrest in the region forced the cancellation of the event.

German circuit designer Hermann Tilke had already made a name for himself with the design of Sepang in 1999. From 2004 onwards, Tilke would play an increasingly significant role in shaping Formula 1. Between 2004 and 2014, he delivered ten brand-new Grand Prix circuits, with Bahrain International Circuit being the first in that series.

While the Bahrain track is not considered Tilke’s finest work, it has stood the test of time. Its three long straights create good overtaking opportunities, particularly in Turns 1 and 4. The undulating middle sector, with its series of fast corners, gives the circuit a bit of character as well.

The inaugural Grand Prix in 2004 was won by none other than Michael Schumacher. That year, his final championship season, Ferrari was perhaps more dominant than ever, and that dominance was on full display in Bahrain. Ferrari has continued to perform well at this track, with Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel all claiming victories there for the team from Maranello.

Vettel held the record for most wins at the circuit for a long time, having triumphed four times in the desert. However, in 2021, Lewis Hamilton broke that record. The seven-time world champion now has five wins at Bahrain International Circuit.

The Bahrain Grand Prix has only been canceled once — in 2011 — due to the Arab Spring protests that swept across much of the Middle East. When the race returned in 2012, it sparked controversy throughout the F1 paddock.

The lap record at Bahrain was set during the second Formula 1 race ever held there. In 2005, Pedro de la Rosa clocked a 1:31.447 in his McLaren. In nearly two decades since, no one has gone faster during a Grand Prix at this circuit.

Max Verstappen has often faced challenging weekends in Bahrain. In 2017 and 2018, he suffered from issues like brake failure and a crash during qualifying. His first race finish with Red Bull came in 2019, where he secured fourth place. After five attempts, Verstappen finally earned his first podium in Sakhir in 2020. In 2021, he even claimed pole position, but had to concede the win to title rival Lewis Hamilton during the race.

In 2022, technical problems forced another retirement. Verstappen finally clinched his first Bahrain Grand Prix victory in 2023 and repeated the feat in 2024. However, in 2025, he once again experienced a difficult race in Sakhir, managing only a sixth-place finish.