Bahrain celebrates – already – its 20th anniversary on the Formula 1 calendar

Formula 1 is back! For die-hard fans, the break has been long but no need to panic, the competition is returning this weekend. For the first race, it’s the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain that kicks off the season. An iconic circuit for Formula 1. It is the 20th season of the Bahrain Grand Prix, with the first edition taking place in 2004.

The Sakhir Circuit was built in 2002, after a year and four months of construction. Located in the middle of the desert, the tracks were designed by Hermann Tilke, a renowned German architect in Formula 1 known for designing various circuits like Shanghai, Austin, and Abu Dhabi. It wasn’t until 2004 that Formula 1 drivers were able to race on the track for the first time. Although it is the 20th anniversary of the Sakhir Circuit entering the F1 calendar, Formula 1 has officially organized 21 races here, including the two races during the COVID-19 year.

The idea of a modern classic is to reflect the fact that we are a modern circuit but have had the opportunity to create 20 years of history in the Middle East, which we are really proud of. I think there are many fans who might find it hard to believe that we are 20 years old, as we are often perceived as one of the ‘new’ Grand Prix. However, we are honored to be among the first of a generation of modern circuits, the first in the Middle East, and have had the opportunity to contribute to 20 years of F1 racing heritage,” explains circuit manager, Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Along 5,412 kilometers, this layout is characterized by its fast curves, with some hairpins at turns 8 and 10 for example, and four straight lines, allowing drivers to reach speeds of up to 300km/h but also to overtake more easily. In total, the circuit consists of 15 turns and 3 DRS zones.

A new version of the layout

A few years later, an additional section enlarged the track, increasing it from 5.412 kilometers to 6.299 kilometers. The 887-meter section was located between the old turns 4 and 5. Also, some more turns were added. In total, 24 corners made up the circuit. The Sakhir circuit then became the second longest on the calendar, after the one in Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.

However, on August 16, 2010, the management of the Sakhir circuit announced a return to the original layout. The section was removed and some corners were taken out.

A night circuit for 10 years

If the Singapore Grand Prix is officially the first Grand Prix to see Formula 1 cars racing at night, Bahrain has also been hosting the Formula 1 night race since 2014. It has already been 10 years since the circuit has been hosting F1 sessions at night.

For the occasion, several concerts are organized within the circuit, including DJ Diplo and Zedd. Andre Rieux also held a classical music performance one evening last week at the circuit.

In addition to the concerts, the circuit will offer car and historic F1 track sessions on Saturday before the race, featuring vehicles ranging from 2004 to 2024.

An unusual circuit

The Bahrain circuit is one of the most unique on the calendar. The race weekend is divided into two parts: the day part and the night part. Indeed, the qualifying sessions and the race take place in the early evening. The free practice sessions are held in the afternoon, with very high temperatures.

For world champion Max Verstappen, the circuit is very enjoyable: “I really like the circuit and the transition from day to night… it’s a challenge to get the car’s balance right, so it always makes the weekend interesting. You never know where you stand when you start qualifying, because you haven’t had the optimal preparation since track conditions are different during free practice. The second sector, which is quite technical, is the best part of the Bahrain circuit,” he explains for Red Bull.

For now, Lewis Hamilton holds the lap record on this circuit: 1m 27s 264. He has won the Bahrain Grand Prix 5 times, making him the record holder on this circuit.