Bahrain GP History

A Look Back

As we celebrate “20 Years of a Modern Classic”, showcasing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s 20th anniversary in Formula 1, we look back over the past two decades at the highlights of our grand prix, and the rich legacy we have built in the pinnacle of motorsport.

View Look Back

Key Facts and Milestones

2004

The first-ever Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix was held on 04/04/04 (April 4, 2004)
It was the first F1 race to ever take place in the Middle East, making for a unique spectacle in the Arabian desert.
Michael Schumacher claimed pole ahead of teammate Rubens Barrichello. They held their positions throughout the 57-lap race for a Ferrari one-two at the chequered flag while making history at Bahrain International Circuit.

2010

The 2010 race in Bahrain marked the second time the Kingdom hosted the first race of the new season.
F1’s 60th anniversary celebrations were also held in Sakhir.
The race was held along BIC’s 6.299-kilometre endurance track configuration, which features 24 turns.

2014

Bahrain held its Formula 1 grand prix at night for the first time in 2014.
The floodlit spectacle provided the perfect setting for BIC’s 10th anniversary celebrations.
The grand prix was described as one of the most thrilling and iconic races in modern Formula 1.

2019

Bahrain celebrated its 15th anniversary in F1 in 2019.
The event was also F1’s 999th race.
Former England national football team captain and sporting icon David Beckham waved the chequered flag at the end of the race.

2020

Due to circumstances that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, Bahrain had the honour of hosting a double-header of Formula 1 races on consecutive weekends at BIC.
Bahrain’s fire marshalls were later awarded the FIA President’s medal for their bravery in assisting Grosjean during the Bahrain GP incident.
Sakhir GP took place along BIC’s shorter 3.543-kilometre outer track.

2023

BIC welcomed a record-breaking race day crowd of 36,000 fans in 2023—the highest-ever single-day attendance at the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
10,000 of those fans were visitors from overseas—the highest-ever international crowd in the Kingdom.
Two-time F1 world champion and three-time winner at BIC, Fernando Alonso, came third in his maiden grand prix with Aston Martin.