Bahrain F1 Night Races: A Historical Perspective

The Bahrain Grand Prix is a Formula One motor racing event that has taken place annually since 2004, except in 2011 when it was cancelled due to the Bahraini protests. The race has been held during the day and at night. The first night race took place in 2014 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Formula One in Bahrain. Since then, the Bahrain Grand Prix has been a night race, with the exception of the 2022 race, which was held during the day due to human rights concerns. The night race was introduced to attract more spectators and for marketing reasons, as it would increase viewership in Europe and the Gulf countries.

Bahrain Grand Prix is the first F1 race in the Middle East

The Bahrain Grand Prix, officially known as the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix for sponsorship reasons, is a Formula One motor racing event held in Bahrain. The first race took place at the Bahrain International Circuit on April 4, 2004, making history as the first Formula One Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East.

The construction of the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir began in 2002, with high domestic interest in the project as it gave a future to the next generation of Bahraini racers. Bahrain fought off fierce competition from Egypt, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates, all hoping for the prestige of hosting a Formula One Grand Prix. The race made history and was awarded the "Best Organised Grand Prix" by the FIA.

The Bahrain Grand Prix has been held in every Formula One season since 2004, except in 2011 due to the Bahraini uprising. The race has usually been the second, third, or fourth race of the Formula One calendar. However, in 2006, Bahrain swapped places with the traditional season opener, the Australian Grand Prix, to avoid clashing with the Commonwealth Games. In 2010 and 2021, Bahrain again staged the opening race of the Formula One season.

In 2014, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Bahrain Grand Prix, the race was held as a night event under floodlights, becoming the second Formula One night race after the Singapore Grand Prix in 2008. Bahrain's inaugural night race was won by Lewis Hamilton, and subsequent races have continued to be held at night.

The Bahrain International Circuit features five different track layouts and is regarded as one of the safest in the world. The track is known for its large run-off areas, which prevent sand from getting onto the track. While these areas have been criticised for not punishing drivers who stray off the track, they contribute to the circuit's safety record. The surface of the track is made of greywacke aggregate, a material acclaimed for the high level of grip it offers to drivers.

The race has been held annually since 2004, except in 2011

The Bahrain Grand Prix has been held annually since 2004, except in 2011 when it was cancelled due to the Bahraini protests and uprising. The race has become one of the most celebrated and anticipated races on the F1 calendar, with high levels of hype and a challenging track that lifts the spirit of the race.

The first Bahrain Grand Prix took place on April 4, 2004, at the Bahrain International Circuit, making history as the first Formula One Grand Prix held in the Middle East. The race has typically been the second, third, or fourth race of the Formula One calendar, but there have been some variations over the years.

In 2014, ten years after the inaugural race, the Bahrain International Circuit hosted the race as a night event under floodlights. This decision was made to increase the thrill and excitement of the race, as well as to attract more spectators, especially from the Arab world. Since then, the Bahrain Grand Prix has continued to be a night race, transitioning from evening to nightfall, creating a picturesque scene that also appeals to European viewers.

The 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix was again the season opener due to the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The race has been held every year since 2014, with the exception of 2020, when it was postponed indefinitely due to the pandemic.

The Bahrain Grand Prix has faced some controversies, including human rights concerns and protests, particularly in 2011 and 2012. Despite these challenges, the race has continued to be a prominent fixture on the F1 calendar, with the most recent edition held in 2024, won by Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing.

The night schedule was introduced in 2014 to commemorate F1's 10th anniversary

The Bahrain Grand Prix is one of the most celebrated races in the F1 calendar. The Bahrain International Circuit hosted the inaugural race in 2014 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of F1. Since then, the authorities have stuck to the night schedule for this particular Grand Prix.

The decision to introduce the night schedule was made to take the sport to new heights of thrill and excitement, and it has certainly delivered on that promise. The night race under floodlights creates a breathtaking spectacle, attracting spectators from across the world. The challenging track, lit up by the glow of floodlights, adds to the excitement, providing a unique experience for both drivers and fans.

The night schedule also addresses the challenge of Sunday being a working day in Bahrain. With the race starting at 6 pm, it is more convenient for fans to finish their daily routines and be present at the circuit on time. This scheduling further allows the event to capture the Saudi market, the largest market in the Gulf region.

The Bahrain Grand Prix, as a night race, also has significant marketing advantages. With the race starting at 6:30 pm, it draws viewership not only from the Gulf countries but also from European countries. The North and South Americans can tune in as they wake up, while Australians and New Zealanders can enjoy the race before going to sleep. This timing helps market F1 to a wider global audience.

The drop in temperature at night also affects the performance of the cars, providing a new set of challenges for the drivers and their teams. The cooler temperatures impact the tires' ability to generate heat, requiring drivers to adapt their strategies and techniques.

The Bahrain Circuit is known for its challenging track and large run-off areas

The Bahrain International Circuit is known for its challenging track and large run-off areas. The track is located in the middle of sand dunes in near-desert conditions, which presented a unique challenge for its construction. The circuit was designed by German architect Hermann Tilke and constructed with a challenging 16-month deadline. The surface of the track is made of graywacke aggregate, a material chosen for its high level of grip. The track features several lengthy straights, connected by medium and slow-speed sections, demanding a setup with good traction.

The large run-off areas are one of the most notable characteristics of the course. While these areas have been criticised for not punishing drivers who stray off the track, they effectively prevent sand from getting onto the track. This feature, along with other safety measures, has contributed to the circuit's reputation as one of the safest in the world.

The Bahrain Circuit is also known for its multiple layouts. The "Endurance Circuit", used in the 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix, extended the lap length to 6.299 km (3.914 mi). The "Outer Circuit" was used in the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix and delivered a fast and exciting race. The "Paddock Circuit", "Inner Circuit" (also known as the "Oasis Circuit"), and the "Test Oval" offer additional layout variations for different racing events.

The Bahrain International Circuit has played a significant role in motorsports, particularly as the host of the first Formula One event in the Middle East. The circuit continues to host various championships, including Formula One, Formula 2, the World Endurance Championships, and regional events, showcasing its versatility and impact on the racing world.

The challenging track and large run-off areas of the Bahrain International Circuit have contributed to its reputation as a demanding and safe racing venue, attracting a range of racing events and solidifying its place in the motorsports world.

The race has been criticised for sportswashing and human rights abuses

The Bahrain Grand Prix has been criticised for sportswashing and human rights abuses. The race has been the subject of controversy since its inception, with human rights activists calling for its cancellation as early as 2011 due to reports of human rights abuses committed by the Bahraini authorities.

In 2011, the race was cancelled amid international outcry over the Bahraini government's brutal suppression of the country's Arab Spring pro-democracy movement, which resulted in the deaths and imprisonment of thousands of protesters. Despite this, the race resumed the following year, and over the next decade, the human rights situation in Bahrain continued to deteriorate. The government outlawed opposition political parties, closed down the country's only independent newspaper, and severely restricted freedom of assembly, making unlicensed gatherings of more than five people illegal.

Since the 2011 protests, there have been continued reports of abuses and jailings in Bahrain relating to F1 protests. Photographers, activists, lawyers, and other civil society figures have faced routine harassment and imprisonment on spurious charges. In 2017, activist Najah Ahmed Yousif was imprisoned, physically and sexually abused, and sentenced to three years in prison for criticising the Bahrain F1 on social media. Despite being granted a royal pardon in 2019 and the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention declaring her imprisonment arbitrary, Najah has since been fired from her public sector job, and her son now faces over 25 years in prison for participating in political protests.

In 2021, Bahrain was once again the subject of international criticism when security forces arrested at least 13 children in connection with the 10th anniversary of the 2011 uprising, some of whom were beaten and threatened with rape and electrocution. That same year, members of the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning human rights abuses in Bahrain and calling for EU member states not to attend or participate in the Bahrain Grand Prix.

In the lead-up to the 2022 race, a consortium of human rights organisations, led by the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD), wrote to Formula One CEO Chase Carey, stating that the race in Bahrain had become a focal point of protests and human rights abuses carried out by Bahraini security forces. They accused F1 of performing invaluable PR for Bahrain's government and normalising the country's human rights violations.

In response to these concerns, F1 adopted a human rights policy in 2015, committing to identifying and addressing any actual or potential adverse human rights impacts linked to its activities or business relationships. However, rights groups argue that F1 has failed to adequately address these concerns or use its platform to advocate for redress for victims of abuses.

In 2024, F1 was hit with a legal complaint alleging that it turned a blind eye to human rights violations when it extended its contract with Bahrain until 2036. The complaint, made by BIRD and two alleged torture survivors from Bahrain, claimed that F1 breached Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines.

Frequently asked questions