Circuit
Bahrain International Circuit
Sakhir, Bahrain
The Bahrain International Circuit is a desert track defined by its braking zones. Several hard stops reward strong traction and stable brakes, and the abrasive surface works the tyres hard over a race distance, so managing rear grip becomes a central theme. Run at night under floodlights, the cooler air adds another variable to how the tyres behave, and looking after them over a long stint often decides the race.
Located at Sakhir, it is a familiar proving ground where cars are tested and understood, in part because its demands on braking and tyre wear reveal a car's true balance. The floodlit desert setting gives the race a distinctive look and a genuine test of composure under load.
Bahrain circuit facts
- Lap record
- 1:31.447Pedro de la Rosa, 2005
- First Grand Prix
- 2004
The gap, in metres
2025 Qualifying here. Every driver’s time gap converted to the distance it actually puts them behind at racing speed. The field covers 220.8 m from first to last.
On the radio here
2,162 messages recorded at this circuit, 2018 to 2026.
- “Well done Kimi, that P2 mate, didn't have the fastest car today, but well done, get that Yeah, thank you guys, it was difficult today, congrats Max, and yeah, sorry for George Yeah, that's a real kick in the guts for George and the team Let's keep pushing, we'll go again in Singapore Thanks a lot Kimi”Kimi ANTONELLI · 2026 Race
- “It's a good day for the team, so then everyone. On my side it's just not good enough, so I need to understand what happened. It's just not me or what. I expect it's just me, so I'll look at it because it's unacceptable from my side to be so.”Arvid LINDBLAD · 2026 Race
- “It's getting drier, tyres starting to work a bit more. Do you think that's a smart thing to do? If you're happy to stay out, we can gamble. I have to stay out, you have to gamble. It's not too late. You have to stay out. Copy that.”Lewis HAMILTON · 2026 Race
- “Yes, Max. What about you, mate? I never know. You're the man today. 72, mate. 72. Amazing job, guys. What a fantastic weekend. And it's a really, really good job, everyone. I'm really proud of myself.”Max VERSTAPPEN · 2026 Race