Round 4 of the 2025 F1 season takes us to the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Everything You Need to Know About the Bahrain Grand Prix
Since its inception in 2004, the Bahrain Grand Prix has become a staple of the F1 calendar.
As the first race held in the Middle East, its introduction marked a significant shift in the sport’s global status.
While the event has delivered exciting on-track action, it has also faced criticism and controversy, making its history as complex as it is compelling.
The Schedule
| Date | Session | Time* |
|---|---|---|
| 11 Apr | Practice 1 | 14:30 – 15:30 |
| 11 Apr | Practice 2 | 18:00 – 19:00 |
| 12 Apr | Practice 3 | 15:30 – 16:30 |
| 12 Apr | Qualifying | 19:00 – 20:00 |
| 13 Apr | Race | 18:00 |
*Track Time
The night race aesthetic ✨#F1 pic.twitter.com/TJF8qpEnfa
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 9, 2025
A Landmark Development
Construction of the Bahrain International Circuit began in 2002, as the kingdom triumphed over rivals such as Egypt, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates in its bid to host a Grand Prix.
Designed by Hermann Tilke, the circuit is located in Sakhir and was purpose-built to bring Formula One to the Gulf.
The inaugural race occurred in 2004. It was won by Michael Schumacher for Ferrari and welcomed a new era for the sport.
READ MORE: What to Expect from Ferrari in Bahrain?
Racing Highlights
The Bahrain Grand Prix has been held every year since, except in 2011.
In its early years, the race saw a rotation of dominant teams and drivers. Fernando Alonso won back-to-back races in 2005 and 2006 for Renault, while Felipe Massa delivered victories for Ferrari in 2007 and 2008.
In 2009, Jenson Button claimed victory with Brawn GP, and Alonso returned to the top step in 2010, this time driving for Ferrari.
Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull dominated in 2012 and 2013, followed by a period of Mercedes leading the pack. Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg took wins between 2014 and 2016.
Vettel responded with Ferrari wins in 2017 and 2018, but it was Hamilton who made history by winning three consecutive Grands Prix from 2019 to 2021, setting the record with five Bahrain Grand Prix victories.
Recently, Charles Leclerc took victory in 2022, delivering Ferrari their record seventh win at the venue. Max Verstappen led Red Bull to back-to-back wins in 2023 and 2024.
Controversies
Despite its sporting success, the Bahrain Grand Prix has been plagued by political controversy.
The most prominent occurred in 2011, when the race was cancelled due to widespread protests and civil unrest.
Although the event was initially rescheduled, it was ultimately dropped from the calendar following international pressure and logistical challenges.
In 2012, the Grand Prix went ahead despite calls from human rights organisations to cancel it.
These concerns were repeated in the media, with some teams reportedly uncomfortable with the decision to race under heightened security.
Activists criticised the 2012 Grand Prix as a distraction from ongoing repression. There were incidents of violence surrounding the weekend.
Since then, allegations of ‘sportswashing’ have continued to shadow the event. Human rights groups argue that the Grand Prix provides a global platform for Bahrain’s government to promote a positive image while silencing dissent.
Figures such as Lewis Hamilton have spoken out about the need for F1 to engage more responsibly with the human rights records of host nations.
COVID-19 and the 2020 Adapatation
The COVID-19 pandemic brought further disruption. Originally scheduled for March 2020, the race was postponed and eventually held in November.
That year, Bahrain hosted two consecutive events, including the Sakhir Grand Prix on the circuit’s outer layout.
Though successful from a sporting perspective, the events reignied debate about F1’s ethical responsibilities, particularly as human rights concerns remained.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Prema Racing Aims to Build Momentum at the Bahrain GP
Looking Ahead
In 2022, the Bahrain Grand Prix’s contract was extended until 2036, confirming its place in the sport’s long-term future.
Key Data
Next, back to Bahrain ⏭️
The unique settings in Sakhir 😍#F1 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/Yzr8WjZaI1
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 7, 2025
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| First Grand Prix | 2004 |
| Number of Laps | 57 |
| Circuit Length | 5.412 km |
| Race Distance | 308.238 km |
| Lap Record | 1:31.447 – Pedro de la Rosa (2005) |
READ NEXT: Bahrain GP: What to Expect From the First Night Race of the Season
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / MAXPPP
Recording Date: 10.04.2025
