Bahrain signs new long-term deal to remain on F1 calendar until 2036
Excluding 2011, Bahrain has been ever-present on the Formula 1 calendar since 2004.
Since its move to a night race in 2014, Bahrain has often thrown up some fantastic races such as Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg's titanic scrap for the win.
During its time on the F1 calendar, the sport has raced on three different configurations.
The majority of races have taken place on the traditional Sakhir Grand Prix circuit.
As a one-off in 2010, the grand prix was on the much-disliked Endurance track, while in 2020 as Bahrain was hosting two races due to the ongoing pandemic, the second event dubbed as the 'Sakhir Grand Prix' took place on the Outer Circuit.
As part of the long-term agreement, organisers are looking to increase the environmental sustainability of the event as part of F1's plans to make the sport net carbon netural by 2030.
Speaking of the news, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “I am delighted we will be racing at the Bahrain International Circuit until 2036 where more incredible racing and excitement will be on show to thrill our fans. Since 2004 we have had some fantastic races in Sakhir and we cannot wait to be back there for the start of the 2022 championship as we begin a new era for the sport.
“Bahrain was the first country in the Middle East to welcome Formula 1 and it has a very special place in our sport, and I personally want to thank HRH Prince Salman and his team for their dedication and hard work throughout our partnership and look forward to the many years of racing ahead of us.”
Arif Rahimi, Chairman of Bahrain International Circuit, added: “It has been a great honour for Bahrain to host Formula 1 since 2004 and we are delighted that this new commitment cements our place on the calendar well into the future. Our commitment to motorsport has always been a long-term initiative and I thank Stefano and his team at F1 for putting their faith in us to continue to deliver the pinnacle of global racing at The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East.”
Bahrain will host the 2022 season-opener on March 18-20.
