F1 Bahrain: Cancelled Or Continued?

The Bahrain Grand Prix, the first Formula One Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East, has been cancelled twice since its inception in 2004. The first instance of cancellation was in 2011 due to the Bahraini protests and the second instance was in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled due to civil unrest

The protests were part of the Arab Spring, a wave of demonstrations and civil wars that swept across the Arab world at the start of 2011. The Bahraini government responded to the protests with a crackdown, resulting in the deaths of dozens of people and the arrest of hundreds more.

The Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled for 13 March 2011, was postponed on 21 February due to the ongoing unrest. The race organisers initially hoped to hold the race later in the year, but these plans were abandoned following controversy over the reinstatement of the race. The decision to cancel the race was made by Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Bahrain Motor Federation.

The cancellation of the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix marked the first time a Formula One race had been cancelled due to civil unrest. The race returned to Bahrain in 2012, despite ongoing protests and violence. The decision to hold the race was controversial, with human rights groups and activists criticising the move in light of the ongoing political upheaval in the country.

The race has been held annually since 2012

The Bahrain Grand Prix, held at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, was first introduced to the Formula One calendar in 2004. It made history as the first Formula One Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East and was awarded the "Best Organised Grand Prix" by the FIA.

The Bahrain Grand Prix has often been mired in controversy due to reports of human rights abuses committed by the Bahraini authorities. The 2011 edition of the race was cancelled due to the Bahraini protests, with drivers, team personnel, and human rights activists calling for its postponement. Similar concerns were raised ahead of the 2012 race, but it ultimately went ahead as planned.

In recent years, the event has continued to face backlash from human rights organizations and prominent figures in the racing world, including Lewis Hamilton. Critics argue that the race becomes a focal point of protests and serious human rights abuses committed by Bahraini security forces. Despite the ongoing controversy, the Bahrain Grand Prix remains a prominent fixture on the Formula One calendar, with the most recent edition taking place in 2024 and won by Max Verstappen.

Bahrain was the first country in the region to host Formula 1

In 2004, Bahrain became the first country in the Middle East to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. The race took place at the Bahrain International Circuit, located in the Sakhir desert, and was awarded the title of "Best Organised Grand Prix" by the FIA. The inaugural race was won by Michael Schumacher, driving for Ferrari.

The construction of the Bahrain International Circuit began in 2002, with high domestic interest in the project as it promised to bring Formula 1 racing to the region. Bahrain beat out fierce competition from Egypt, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates to secure the rights to host the prestigious event.

Since its inception, the Bahrain Grand Prix has become a staple on the Formula 1 calendar, occurring annually since 2004, except for 2011 when it was cancelled due to civil unrest. Over the years, the race has delivered some of the most iconic moments in modern-day Formula 1, from the "Duel in the Desert" in 2014 to the thrilling season opener in 2021.

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. Bahrain's inaugural night race was won by Lewis Hamilton, who has since gone on to win four more Bahrain Grand Prix races, setting the record for the most wins at this event.

The Bahrain International Circuit is known for its unique characteristics, such as its large run-off areas, which prevent sand from getting onto the track, and its challenging combination of slow and fast corners. The circuit is regarded as one of the safest in the world and has become a favourite among drivers for its technical layout and thrilling racing opportunities.

With its rich history and cultural offerings, Bahrain has established itself as a prominent destination for Formula 1, attracting enthusiasts from the Kingdom and the region to experience the adrenaline-pumping action in the heart of the desert.

The Bahrain International Circuit has five different track layouts

The five different track layouts are:

• Grand Prix Circuit: This is the standard layout used for the annual Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix. It is 3.363 miles (5.412 km) long and has been used in F1 from 2004-2009 and since 2012.
• Endurance Circuit: This longer variant was used in F1 in 2010 and for the 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix to celebrate F1's 'diamond jubilee'. It is 3.914 miles (6.299 km) long.
• Outer Circuit: This layout was used for the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, which was the second of two Grands Prix held in Bahrain that year due to the coronavirus-affected schedule. It is 2.202 miles (3.543 km) long.
• Paddock Circuit: This layout has been used by the V8 Supercars for the Desert 400 race between 2006 and 2008, and by the GP2 and Porsche Supercup fields as part of the undercard at F1 events. It is 2.302 miles (3.705 km) long.
• Inner 'Oasis' Circuit: This is the shortest of the five layouts at 1.585 miles (2.550 km) long. It has separate pitlane and paddock facilities that have been utilised by the GP2 and Porsche Supercup fields during F1 events.

The Bahrain International Circuit has hosted a range of high-profile series, including the FIA Formula One World Championship, the FIA World Endurance Championship, the FIA Formula 2 Championship, and the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East. It continues to be a prominent venue for motorsports enthusiasts and competitors worldwide.

The 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix was won by Max Verstappen

Verstappen dominated the race, leading every lap and claiming the fastest lap to secure his fifth career grand chelem. He qualified in pole position and maintained his lead throughout the race, finishing ahead of Perez and Carlos Sainz Jr. of Ferrari. It was an impressive display of speed and strategy by the Red Bull Racing team.

The Bahrain Grand Prix has a rich history, having hosted Formula One races since 2004. The circuit is located in the heart of the Sakhir desert and is known for its unique characteristics, including large run-off areas that prevent sand from getting onto the track. The race has also been a platform for addressing human rights concerns in Bahrain, with activists calling for cancellations in 2011 and 2012 due to reports of abuses and civil unrest.

The 2024 race was the opening round of the Formula One World Championship and featured an exciting battle between the drivers. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari finished fourth despite brake problems, while the Mercedes team faced engine cooling and ERS battery issues, resulting in fifth and seventh-place finishes for their drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, respectively.

The Bahrain Grand Prix is a significant event in the Formula One calendar, and the 2024 race was no exception. With Verstappen's dominant performance and Red Bull Racing's one-two finish, the stage was set for an exciting season ahead. The win in Bahrain added to Verstappen's impressive career record, solidifying his place as one of the sport's top contenders.

Frequently asked questions