Duelling in the desert: Ready for Bahrain’s night-time showdown?
Get set for racing under the floodlights—here’s what you need to know about Bahrain’s spectacular desert showdown!
Why the Bahrain Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket list
Held at the Bahrain International Circuit, a venue built in the heart of the desert on a former camel farm, this race offers a uniquely challenging and visually spectacular experience.
Racing in the desert
It begins at sunset and finishes under floodlights, transforming the track from twilight to complete darkness. Drivers face fluctuating temperatures, strong winds, and sand blowing onto the track, reducing grip and testing their skills to the limit. This changing environment is thrilling for spectators and demanding for those behind the wheel.
The Bahrain Grand Prix begins at sunset and finishes under floodlights
Bahrain also stands out for its exciting racing, thanks to four long straights and 15 corners, creating numerous opportunities for overtaking. As F1 driver Pierre Gasly describes it: "Bahrain is a great track for racing. There are multiple places for overtaking, so it’s usually an exciting one for us drivers." Although Bahrain is roughly the same size as Greater London, this island nation has plenty to see and do beyond the race track. Known for sunny weather perfect for catching a tan, Bahrain also has a fascinating cultural heritage and impressive historical sites, including the beautiful Al-Fateh Grand Mosque and Qalat al Bahrain, also known as Bahrain Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 
Bahrain Fort or Qal'at Al-Bahrain
While you're there, make sure to sample local delicacies such as aromatic Arabic coffee and the country's famous chicken machboos, a flavorful spiced chicken and rice dish that's a must-try for any visitor. Where's the circuit?The Bahrain International Circuit is located in the heart of the Sakhir desert, roughly 30 kilometers southwest of Bahrain's capital city, Manama. Despite its desert setting, it's easily accessible from Manama, typically taking around 30–40 minutes by car.
Traveling to Bahrain: What you need to knowBahrain International Airport is located in Muharraq, around 4.5 miles east of the capital city, Manama.
Direct flights connect Bahrain to several major European cities, primarily through Gulf Air. However, traveling F1 fans often find more flexibility and competitive fares by opting for indirect flights via hubs like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Qatar. Most visitors to Bahrain require a visa to enter the country but you should always check the latest entry requirements based on your individual circumstances. Visas can usually be obtained online in advance of travel for a nominal fee. Arriving a day or two before the Grand Prix allows time to explore the city and adjust to the time zone. How many days should you spend at the Bahrain Grand Prix?We recommend spending three full days, from Friday to Sunday, at the Bahrain Grand Prix to experience everything the event has to offer. Between F1 sessions, you'll also get to enjoy a full schedule of Formula 2, Formula 3, and Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East, making it a weekend packed with non-stop action.
Bahrain Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glanceHere’s a quick overview of what to expect each day at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Friday is action-packed with Formula 1 practice sessions, along with practice and qualifying sessions for the support series, including Formula 2, Formula 3, and the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East. Saturday begins with the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East qualifying, followed by the Formula 3 Sprint Race, Formula 1 team pit stop practice, the third F1 practice session, additional support series races, and culminating in the thrilling Formula 1 qualifying session. Sunday features support series races, the drivers' parade, and the highlight of the weekend—the Bahrain Grand Prix. 
Drivers' parade
Best places to stay for the Bahrain Grand PrixNo matter where you choose, you'll generally be within a 30-40 minute drive of the Bahrain International Circuit. Just remember that traffic in Bahrain can get busy, especially around peak times and during the Grand Prix weekend.
The closest hotel to the track is the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa, only about a 10-minute drive away. Because of its convenient location, room rates here tend to be high. Downtown Manama is about a 30-minute drive from the circuit, with plenty of good hotel choices like the Downtown Rotana and InterContinental Bahrain. Bahrain Bay, just a 10-minute drive from downtown Manama and around 35 minutes from the circuit, has premium hotels such as the Wyndham Grand Manama and Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain. 
Manama skyline and dhows at sunset
Another option is to stay at one of Bahrain's original hotels, the Gulf Hotel. It's just a short walk from Block 338 in the Adliya neighborhood, a lively area known for some of Bahrain’s best cafés, restaurants, and nightlife. In past years, shuttle buses have run from several hotels straight to the circuit, including Sofitel, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons Hotel, InterContinental Regency, Downtown Rotana, Conrad Hotel, Wyndham Garden Manama, Gulf Hotel, The K Hotel, Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain and The Olive Hotel. Check out more hotel options here and book early to get the best spot for Grand Prix weekend Best grandstands for key moments at the Japanese Grand Prix
The long start/finish straight leads directly into the opening corner, immediately followed by two fast turns, creating plenty of action and close battles especially when the lights first go out at the race start.
The Main Grandstand on the start/finish straight is a great choice if you enjoy seeing the team garages, the pre-race build-up, and the chequered flag. Before the race, you'll see engineers making final preparations to the cars and drivers coming and going on the grid. 
The long start/finish straight leads directly into the opening corner
The Bahrain circuit is built for close racing, and overtakes usually happen after intense battles at two main points. The first is the heavy braking zone at the end of the main straight. The Turn 1 Grandstand gives you a fantastic view of these opening corners, making it one of the best places to watch drivers battling wheel-to-wheel at the start of the race. From here, you can also watch cars exiting the pit lane and follow them as they navigate turns 2 and 3. The Beyon Grandstand, located just behind the pit building, gives you a panoramic view of the middle part of the circuit. From here, you can follow the action from around turn 6 through turn 12. You can also see distant stretches between turns 3 and 4, another key overtaking spot at the sharp right-hander, on your left, and turns 13 and 14 on your right. 
Beyon Grandstand, located just behind the pit building
From the Victory Grandstand, you’ll have a clear view as cars approach the crucial double right-hand corners at turns 14 and 15, just before they accelerate onto the start-finish straight. Where next?Bahrain's beaches are definitely worth exploring. Although the island is small, there are some surprisingly secluded spots where you’ll feel worlds away from the hustle of modern Gulf life.
One standout experience is taking a tour to Jarada Island, a stunning sandbar located about 30 minutes by boat from the mainland. Accessible only at low tide, this tiny island emerges from the sea as a picturesque stretch of white sand surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water. If you feel inspired to do some racing yourself, head to the Bahrain International Karting Circuit, located right next to the main track. It's considered one of the world’s best karting facilities—Carlos Sainz even described it as "one of the coolest karting tracks I've ever been to." Other great experiences include exploring the historical Perling Trail and Muharraq’s Old Houses, or heading out for dinner in the vibrant Block 338 neighborhood. Contact us and start planning your trip |
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Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.
His love for Formula One started in the 1990s, watching the greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Mika Hakkinen. He traveled to his first Grand Prix in 1999. It was the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Since then, Rob has traveled to over 2/3 of Grand Prix' on the current Formula One calendar. Fast forward to today, and Rob has turned his passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream Formula One trips. His favourite Grand Prix destinations are Austria and Austin, and when he's not attending a Formula One Grand Prix, you'll find him closer to home, walking or cycling in the Peak District National Park. |
