This year’s formula one season-opening race will take place in Bahrain. The race coverage starts on 18th March with practice sessions followed by qualifying on Saturday and the big race on Sunday. Bahrain will host the first Grand Prix race of the new season of Formula One. Let’s check some interesting Facts About Bahrain GP.
10 Interesting Facts About Bahrain GP
From alternative layouts to rosewater on the podium, here are 10 facts you may not know about the Bahrain Grand Prix, which made its debut on the Formula 1 calendar in 2004.
1). Ferrari & Mercedes the most successful constructors
Mercedes and Ferrari hold the record for the most number of wins in Bahrain with 6 wins each. In 2021, Mercedes equaled Ferrari as the most successful team in Bahrain. Each team has six victories here. Mercedes have won the last three successive Bahrain Grands Prix. However, they did not win the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix.
2). Fastest lap
Bahrain Grand Prix consists of 57 laps of the Sakhir track which is 5.4 km long and the fastest lap time is set by Michael Schumacher at 1:30.252.
3). Under lights
In 2014 Bahrain Grand Prix went under-lights in the evening time to boost TV viewers’ ratings around the world. It was happened to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the event. The cost was $17m USD which saw the installation of 495 lighting poles and 4500 light fittings.
4). Spraying the Rosewater
Instead of spraying Alcohol after winning the race, Driver usually sprayed rose water. The reason is Formula 1 teams are not allowed to display the logos of alcohol sponsors on their cars at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The top three drivers spray a non-alcoholic rosewater drink called Waard during the podium celebrations instead of the traditional champagne.
5). Season openers
For most times, Bahrain GP occupied an early-season calendar slot as the 2nd or third race. Only on two occasions, Bahrain swap calendar slots with Australia to host the first race of the new season.
6). Coincidental results
For the first time, the same drivers occupied the top three podium finishes at Bahrain GP 2012 and 2013. The unusual feat was achieved by Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen, and Romain Grosjean. Both races were won by Sebastian Vettel while the Lotus pair of Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean finished second and third respectively in both years.
7). Most experience and most successful drivers
Lewis Hamilton holds the record for most wins at the Bahrain Grand Prix. He took a fifth win at the event in 2021. Hamilton shares the record for most poles in Bahrain with Sebastian Vettel. Both have taken pole three times.
8). Cost and construction
Bahrain Grand Prix takes place at the International circuit of Sakhir which was designed by Hermann Tilke and built-in 16th months and completed in 2003 with an estimated cost of $150m USD.
9). No Victory For McLaren
Bahrain is one of only a handful of current F1 circuits where McLaren has not yet recorded a victory.
10). Schumacher’s turn
Following Schumacher’s skiing accident in 2013, The first turn at Bahrain GP was named in honor of 7 times World Champion, who also won the inaugural season. It remains the only turn at the circuit with a name other than a number.
These are the 10 Interesting Facts About Bahrain GP.
Most memorable grand prix in Bahrain:
There are several races we could mention but the 2014 Duel in the desert between Hamilton and Rosberg was one of the best, to say the least.