The first Grand Prix of the 2023 F1 season starts in just one month
Just like in 2022, the opening race of the Formula 1 World Championship will take place in Bahrain in 2023. This edition will be held from March 3rd to 5th. Until then, here's everything you need to know about the Sakhir circuit.
Three months after Max Verstappen’s victory, the drivers will take to the track again for pre-season tests, first, and then for the first race a few days later.
History of the circuit
The Sakhir circuit, built in the middle of the desert, is the result of the work of the German architect Hermann Tilke. Inaugurated in 2004, the first edition of this Grand Prix took place in April of the same year. Thus, it is the first Formula 1 race to be held in the Middle East. Since then, it has always been on the calendar, with the exception of 2011 when the country was going through the Arab Spring crisis.
The track measures 5.412 km and has 15 corners. It stands out with four straight lines preceding tight turns that put brakes to the test. It also consists of three DRS zones, making it the circuit with the most of them. All these elements favor overtaking.
If the free practice sessions are held in the afternoon under scorching sun, the qualifying and the race take place at night. In terms of weather, it is a very dry and hot weather that awaits the drivers, usually with a lot of wind.
5 standout figures
57: This is the number of laps to complete in this GP.
1’27”264: Michael Schumacher holds the race lap record since 2004 with Ferrari.
1’30”252: The pole position record is held by Lewis Hamilton.
5: The highest number of victories also goes to Lewis Hamilton (2014, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021)
2020: During the 2020 edition, Romain Grosjean was the victim of a spectacular accident. He miraculously emerged from his flaming car.
Review of the 2022 edition
The 2022 edition concluded with a double victory for Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc taking the top step of the podium. Lewis Hamilton secured the third place.
Red Bull had an unlucky day as none of their drivers were able to cross the finish line. Verstappen was complaining about steering issues and retired two laps before the finish. Sergio Perez also experienced mechanical problems, as his car spun out in the final lap and the entire field passed him.
This edition also marked the first F1 race of Guanyu Zhou (Alfa Romeo).
