Here are 10 things to know about the Bahrain Grand Prix, which made its debut on the Formula 1 calendar in 2004. From alternative layouts to rosewater on the podium, here are 10 facts you may not be aware of.
The First Formula 1 Track in the Middle East
The Bahrain International Circuit (sometimes known as “Sakhir” after the region where it is located) was designed by Hermann Tilke, Formula 1’s preferred track designer. The circuit was built for $150 million USD ahead of the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix in 2004, making it the first Middle Eastern circuit to do so.
Alternative Layouts
The Bahrain International Circuit has six configurations, with the 5.412km “Grand Prix” track with 15 turns being utilized for all but one of the 15 events that have taken place thus far. The 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix was held on the 6.299km “Endurance” layout with 24 turns, which was an exception. Alonso’s victory at his maiden race for Ferrari is arguably the race’s most memorable moment, but its longer length drew criticism for its lack of additional overtaking possibilities and has not been used since. The 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix will be the second Formula 1 event to take place in Bahrain. The Sakhir Grand Prix, the second race, was held on a 3.543-kilometre “Outer Loop” circuit with only 11 turns. George Russell had been on course for victory prior to a pit lane mix-up and a flat tire costing him his chances, giving Sergio Pérez his maiden triumph.
Grippy Asphalt & Sticky Sand
The track surface at the Bahrain International Circuit is comprised of an expensive aggregate shipped from an area in England at significant expense, and it has high levels of grip. Keeping sand off the grippy surface is more difficult in a circuit situated in a desert where sandstorms are frequent. Before the race weekend, the organizers spray a sticky adhesive fluid over the surrounding desert to minimize the amount of sand blowing onto the circuit. The track is also swept between sessions on a regular basis.
Under Lights
To commemorate the tenth anniversary of the event, the Bahrain Grand Prix was held under lights for the first time in 2014. The $17 million USD expenditure, which included the installation of 495 lighting poles and 4500 light fittings, immediately paid off as the first night race featured a memorable wheel-to-wheel “duel in the desert” between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg – Hamilton emerged on top to take his maiden victory in Bahrain.
Season Openers
For the most part, the Bahrain Grand Prix has been held in an early-season time slot as the second or third race of the year. However, Bahrain swapped positions with Australia in order to begin the new season on two occasions. The Australian Grand Prix was moved back a week to avoid a collision with the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006, while a later start time for that race (after the end of daylight savings time) meant a more convenient beginning for European television viewers in 2010. Bahrain will play host once again to the season-opening event in 2021 after the Australian Grand Prix was postponed.
Is It the Rosewater?
Alcohol is not prohibited in Bahrain, but there are certain limitations. Formula 1 teams are unable to display alcohol sponsors’ logos on their cars at the Bahrain Grand Prix, and instead, spray a non-alcoholic rosewater drink called Waard during the podium celebrations.
The Most Experienced and Successful Drivers
Kimi Räikkönen and Fernando Alonso are the only current drivers to have competed in the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix in 2004. Despite never winning in Bahrain, Kimi Raikkonen has finished on the podium eight times. Sebastian Vettel is the most successful driver in Bahrain with four victories for Red Bull (2012, 2013) and Ferrari (2017, 2018). Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton won three consecutive races at the Bahrain Grand Prix while Felipe Massa took home victory twice.
The Most Successful Constructors: Ferrari & Mercedes
The success of the past two seasons has been driven by Nissan, which is currently leading the championship. In Bahrain, all six victories have gone to Ferrari and Mercedes so far. All of Mercedes’ wins have occurred in the last eight years. Renault and Red Bull each have two wins in Bahrain, whereas McLaren is yet to win there – Bahrain is one of just a few current circuits where McLaren has yet to triumph.
Schumacher’s Turn
Following Michael Schumacher’s skiing accident in December 2013, the circuit’s first turn was renamed in his honour, honouring the seven-time World Champion who won the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix with the all-conquering Ferrari F2004. It is still the only turn at the track that has a name other than a number.
Results That Are Purely Coincidental
The top three steps of the podium were all taken by the same drivers in 2012 and 2013 at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Sebastian Vettel won both races for Red Bull, with Kimi Räikkönen in second place and Romain Grosjean third in both years.
