Bahrain Grand Prix facts for kids
| Bahrain International Circuit | |
 |
|
| Race information | |
|---|---|
| Number of times held | 21 |
| 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 (2025) | |
| Pole position | |
|
|
| Podium | |
| Fastest lap | |
|
|
The Bahrain Grand Prix is a super exciting Formula One car race held in Bahrain. It's also known as the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix because of its main sponsor. The very first race happened on April 4, 2004, at the Bahrain International Circuit. This was a big moment because it was the first Formula One Grand Prix ever held in the Middle East! It even won an award for being the "Best Organised Grand Prix" from the FIA.
The Bahrain Grand Prix usually takes place early in the Formula One season. Sometimes it's the second, third, or fourth race. In 2006, it was the first race of the season. In 2010, to celebrate F1's 60th birthday, the cars raced on a longer "Endurance Circuit" layout. The race was also the season opener in 2021. For the 2025 season, the Bahrain Grand Prix is the fourth race on the calendar.
The race planned for 2011 was cancelled due to local events in Bahrain. Some drivers and teams were worried about safety for the 2012 race, but it still went ahead. In 2014, to celebrate its tenth birthday, the Bahrain Grand Prix became a night race. This meant the cars raced under bright floodlights! It was only the second F1 night race ever, after the Singapore Grand Prix. All the races since then have also been held at night.
Contents
About the Bahrain Grand Prix
The Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir was built starting in 2002. Bahrain worked hard to host an F1 race. Other countries in the region, like Egypt 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 race in 2004 was won by Michael Schumacher, driving for Ferrari. Many famous drivers have won here, including Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa, Sebastian Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton. Lewis Hamilton has won the Bahrain Grand Prix five times, which is more than any other driver!
In 2010, the race used a different track layout called the "Endurance Circuit." This made each lap longer, at about 6.299 kilometers (3.914 miles). The track went back to its original "Grand Prix Circuit" layout for the 2012 race and has used it ever since. It was announced in 2022 that Bahrain will continue to host a Formula One race until at least 2036.
Track Features
The Bahrain International Circuit has large areas next to the track called "run-off areas." These are designed to make the track safer if a car goes off course. They also help keep sand from the desert off the racing surface. The circuit is known for being one of the safest in the world.
After the race, the winning drivers usually spray champagne on the podium to celebrate. However, in Bahrain, they spray a special non-alcoholic rosewater drink called Waard instead. This is because alcoholic drinks are not part of the local culture for public celebrations.
Race Winners
Drivers with Multiple Wins
This table shows the drivers who have won the Bahrain Grand Prix more than once. Drivers in bold are still racing 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
This table shows 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
This table shows the engine manufacturers that have powered the winning cars at the Bahrain Grand Prix more than once. Manufacturers in bold are competing in Formula One this season.
| Wins | Manufacturer | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Mercedes |
2009, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2025 |
| 7 | Ferrari |
2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2017, 2018, 2022 |
| 4 | Renault |
2005, 2006, 2012, 2013 |
| 2 |  Honda RBPT |
2023, 2024 |
| Source: | ||
Winners by Year
This table lists all the winners of the Bahrain Grand Prix each year.
| Year | Driver | Constructor | Track Layout | Race Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 due to local events | 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 | |
| 2025 |  Oscar Piastri |
McLaren-Mercedes | Report | |
| Sources: | ||||
Images for kids
-
The longer Endurance Circuit layout, used in 2010.
See also
In Spanish: Gran Premio de Baréin para niños
