Bahrain Grand Prix facts for kids
| Bahrain International Circuit (2004–2010, 2012–present) |
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| Race information | |
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| Number of times held | 20 |
| First held | 2004 |
| Most wins (drivers) |  Lewis Hamilton (5) |
| Most wins (constructors) |  Ferrari (7) |
| Circuit length | 5.412 km (3.363 mi) |
| Race length | 308.238 km (191.530 mi) |
| Laps | 57 |
| Last race (2024) | |
| Pole position | |
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| Podium | |
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| Fastest lap | |
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The Bahrain Grand Prix is an exciting Formula One car race held in Bahrain. It's also known as the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix because of its sponsor. The very first race happened on April 4, 2004, at the Bahrain International Circuit.
This race made history! It was the first-ever Formula One Grand Prix to take place in the Middle East. Because it was so well organized, the FIA (which runs F1) gave it an award for being the "Best Organised Grand Prix."
Sometimes, the Bahrain Grand Prix is the second, third, or fourth race of the F1 season. In 2006, it even switched places with the usual first race, the Australian Grand Prix. This was to avoid clashing with the 2006 Commonwealth Games. In 2010, the Bahrain Grand Prix was the first race of the season. To celebrate F1's 60th birthday, the cars raced on a longer "Endurance Circuit" that was 6.299 km (3.914 mi) long. In 2021, it was the first race again because the 2021 Australian Grand Prix was cancelled.
The race in 2011 was cancelled due to local events. In 2014, something special happened: the race was held at night for its tenth anniversary! Bright floodlights lit up the track. This made it only the second F1 night race, after the Singapore Grand Prix in 2008. Lewis Hamilton won that first night race in Bahrain. Since then, all Bahrain Grand Prix races have been held at night.
Contents
History of the Race
Building the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir started in 2002. Bahrain worked hard to host an F1 race. Other countries in the region, like Egypt, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates, also wanted to host a Grand Prix.
The Bahrain Grand Prix has been held every year since 2004, except for 2011. The very first Bahrain Grand Prix in 2004 was won by Michael Schumacher, driving for Ferrari.
Many famous drivers have won in Bahrain:
- Fernando Alonso won in 2005, 2006, and 2010.
- Felipe Massa won in 2007 and 2008.
- Jenson Button won in 2009.
- Sebastian Vettel won in 2012, 2013, 2017, and 2018.
- Lewis Hamilton won in 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020, and 2021. He holds the record for the most wins here, with five!
- Charles Leclerc won in 2022, giving Ferrari their seventh win in Bahrain.
- Max Verstappen won the most recent races in 2023 and 2024.
For the 2010 race, a different track layout was used. This "Endurance Circuit" was longer, at 6.299 km (3.914 mi). The track went back to its original "Grand Prix Circuit" layout for the 2012 race and has used it since.
It was announced in 2022 that Bahrain will continue to host a Formula One race until at least the 2036 season!
What Makes the Track Special?
The Bahrain International Circuit has very large areas next to the track called "run-off areas." These are designed to make the track safer. They also help keep sand from the nearby desert off the racing surface. Because of these features, the circuit is known as one of the safest in the world.
Another unique thing about the Bahrain Grand Prix is what the drivers spray on the podium. Instead of the traditional champagne, they spray a special non-alcoholic rosewater drink called Waard.
Winners of the Bahrain Grand Prix
Drivers with Multiple Wins
Here are the drivers who have won the Bahrain Grand Prix more than once. Drivers in bold are still competing in Formula One today.
| Wins | Driver | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Lewis Hamilton |
2014, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021 |
| 4 |  Sebastian Vettel |
2012, 2013, 2017, 2018 |
| 3 |  Fernando Alonso |
2005, 2006, 2010 |
| 2 |  Felipe Massa |
2007, 2008 |
 Max Verstappen |
2023, 2024 | |
| Source: | ||
Teams with Multiple Wins
These are the teams (constructors) that have won the Bahrain Grand Prix more than once. Teams in bold are competing in Formula One this season.
| Wins | Constructor | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Ferrari |
2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2017, 2018, 2022 |
| 6 | Mercedes |
2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021 |
| 4 |  Red Bull |
2012, 2013, 2023, 2024 |
| 2 |  Renault |
2005, 2006 |
| Source: | ||
Engine Manufacturers with Multiple Wins
Here are the engine manufacturers that have powered winning cars at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Manufacturers in bold are competing in Formula One this season.
| Wins | Manufacturer | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Ferrari |
2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2017, 2018, 2022 |
| Mercedes |
2009, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021 | |
| 4 | Renault |
2005, 2006, 2012, 2013 |
| 2 |  Honda RBPT |
2023, 2024 |
| Source: | ||
Winners by Year
This table shows who won the Bahrain Grand Prix each year.
| Year | Driver | Constructor | Track Layout | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Michael Schumacher |
Ferrari | Grand Prix Circuit | Report |
| 2005 | Fernando Alonso |
Renault | Report | |
| 2006 | Fernando Alonso |
Renault | Report | |
| 2007 | Felipe Massa |
Ferrari | Report | |
| 2008 | Felipe Massa |
Ferrari | Report | |
| 2009 | Jenson Button |
Brawn-Mercedes | Report | |
| 2010 | Fernando Alonso |
Ferrari | Endurance Circuit | Report |
| 2011 | Cancelled | Report | ||
| 2012 | Sebastian Vettel |
Red Bull-Renault | Grand Prix Circuit | Report |
| 2013 | Sebastian Vettel |
Red Bull-Renault | Report | |
| 2014 | Lewis Hamilton |
Mercedes | Report | |
| 2015 | Lewis Hamilton |
Mercedes | Report | |
| 2016 | Nico Rosberg |
Mercedes | Report | |
| 2017 | Sebastian Vettel |
Ferrari | Report | |
| 2018 | Sebastian Vettel |
Ferrari | Report | |
| 2019 | Lewis Hamilton |
Mercedes | Report | |
| 2020 | Lewis Hamilton |
Mercedes | Report | |
| 2021 | Lewis Hamilton |
Mercedes | Report | |
| 2022 |  Charles Leclerc |
Ferrari | Report | |
| 2023 | Max Verstappen |
Red Bull-Honda RBPT | Report | |
| 2024 | Max Verstappen |
Red Bull-Honda RBPT | Report | |
| Sources: | ||||
See also
- Tourism in Bahrain
