Formula 1 has announced that it has extended its contract with the Bahrain International Circuit until at least 2036.
The Sakhir-based circuit first hosted Formula 1 in 2004 and has since provided some thrilling racing action – not least in 2020, when two separate configurations of the track were used to host two separate Grands Prix.
The race contract is the longest-held by any F1 Grand Prix at the moment. To illustrate the length of this significant extension, the current world champion Max Verstappen will be 38 years old at the start of the 2036 season, his 22nd year in F1 if he continues to compete.
On March 18-20, the Bahrain International Circuit will host the 2022 Official Pre-Season Test, as well as the season’s first race, the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Moreover, the promoter has previously announced wide-ranging steps to boost the event’s environmental sustainability. The 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix will use 100% renewable energy, aligning with both the Kingdom of Bahrain and Formula 1’s plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Speaking of the contract renewal, Formula 1 CEO and President 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 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.”
Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of Bahrain International Circuit, said, “After 18 years of F1 racing, we are proud to have played a part in F1’s rich history and we now looking forward to continuing to build on that heritage well into the future. The growth and interest in Motorsport in Bahrain and the Middle East has significant momentum, with a new generation of fans embracing our great sport and we look forward to continuing that progress.”