Bahrain Grand Prix 2023 - Latest News, Winners, Qualifying, Circuits, Track

The wait is finally over as in a few days it will be lights out and away we will go into the new and exciting 2024 Formula 1 championship season for the 75th time. We are sure you have been longing to see the cars back on the track racing and whizzing past your eyes with roaring sounds. Come 2nd March 2024, we will witness the first piece of racing action of the year marking the beginning of the longest F1 year in terms of the number of races in a calendar starting from, as usual, the Bahrain Grand Prix. However, the season opener has some changes so let's talk about it.

The 2024 edition of the Race in the Desert marks its 20th anniversary after becoming the first race in the Middle East back in 2004. The race was abandoned in 2011 due to social unrest but the Bahrain International Circuit hosted two races in 2020. The 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix will also mark the 10th anniversary of the race under the night sky and was also the first night race back in 2014. The race in Sakhir is also the season opener for the 6th time in its history. However, the biggest change is the schedule change to accommodate for Ramadan which will start on 10th March.

For the first time in its F1 history, the race in Bahrain will be held on Saturday evening starting at 6 pm (local time). This scheduling change will push each event a day prior starting from the free practice sessions. Let us give you the complete schedule.

The next race on the calendar, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will observe the same changes before the Ramadan celebrations begin. This will mark two Saturday races in the Middle East for the first time since their inclusion in the calendar. In fact, we might see this become the norm moving forward as Bahrain is contracted to host a race till 2036.

Past Winners

The 2023 edition was one by Max Verstappen and he goes into the 20th edition as the favorite.

Bahrain Grand Prix Track Details

Before making its debut in 2004, the ground for the Bahrain International Circuit was broken in 2002 and was built by legendary F1 architect Hermann Tilke in a way that the track can have varying lengths. Traditionally, however, Formula 1 uses 3.36 miles (5.412km) to fulfill its racing requirements. The 2010 edition used a slightly different layout which extended the track length to 3.914 miles (6.299 km) giving it the "Endurance Circuit" nickname.

The circuit allows for brilliant racing and countless overtaking opportunities thanks to its 3 DRS zones. The fans often have complaints about the large run-off areas which don't punish the drivers who stray off the track.

However, the track brings its own set of challenges with the varying track temperature fluctuations throughout the weekend and high tire degradation. The most challenging aspect of the circuit is the tight, downhill, off-camber Turn 10 left-hander, and the fast run through Turn 12 is another highlight of the track.

The fans especially love the duels in the desert with the Batelco grandstand, the perfect place to catch the action. The Bahrain Grand Prix has truly cemented its place as the season opener and the pre-testing area on the calendar. So if you're among the many who would want to go watch the race live, let us talk about the tickets.

Bahrain Grand Prix tickets

Thanks to F1's widespread popularity, getting hold of a ticket has become extremely difficult. However, one can get their hands on them via various ticketing platforms for the Bahrain Grand Prix with a simple Google search. Although with a capacity of 70,000 total, we doubt there are still any left.

In terms of pricing, the three-day pass starts from as low as $500 and goes up to $800 approx. The day pass for Thursday, which covers the first and second free practice sessions is as low as $40. For Friday, FP3, and qualifying, the same ticket goes for a minimum of $140. Whereas the race day pass costs up to $400 on the lower end and $700 on the higher end.

However, if you're among the millions watching the race from the comfort of your home, let us highlight where to catch the race based on your location.

Where to watch?

If you don't find your country listed above, the complete broadcasting information can be found on Formula 1's official website.