Blog: Everything You Need to Know about the Bahrain Grand Prix
Bahrain has been the traditional season opener for many years, but this time, Australia takes back the spotlight as the first race of the season. Despite this change, the Bahrain Grand Prix remains a key event on the F1 calendar. With its unique night race and the challenging Bahrain International Circuit, it’s still one of the most exciting and anticipated races. Here’s everything you need to know about this thrilling event!
Bahrain International Circuit
The Bahrain International Circuit, built on a blank desert canvas in 2002, debuted on the Formula 1 calendar in 2004. This 5.412 km track, designed by Hermann Tilke, is known for its technical challenges and thrilling races. The circuit offers exciting racing, with plenty of overtaking opportunities and unique challenges like the tight, downhill Turn 10 and the high-speed sweep through Turn 12. Racing under floodlights adds to the spectacle, as drivers contend with wind and fluctuating temperatures, making Bahrain a standout event on the F1 schedule.
Bahrain is also a popular venue for the first testing days of the season, giving teams a chance to fine-tune their setups. While it traditionally hosts the opening race of the calendar, this year the honor goes to Australia. Bahrain will still play a key role in preseason testing, but the first Grand Prix will kick off Down Under.
What time does the Bahrain Grand Prix start in my time zone?
Free Practice 1
- Las Vegas PST: 4:30 AM
- London GMT: 12:30 PM
- Berlin CET: 1:30 PM
- Moscow MSK: 3:30 PM
- Dubai GST: 4:30 PM
- Melbourne AEDT: 11:30 PM
- Tokyo JST: 9:30 PM
- Singapore SGT: 8:30 PM
- New York EST: 7:30 AM
- China CST: 8:30 PM
- India IST: 6:00 PM
Free Practice 2
- Las Vegas PST: 8:00 AM
- London GMT: 4:00 PM
- Berlin CET: 5:00 PM
- Moscow MSK: 7:00 PM
- Dubai GST: 8:00 PM
- Melbourne AEDT: 3:00 AM
- Tokyo JST: 1:00 AM
Singapore SGT: 12:00 AM - New York EST: 11:00 AM
- China CST: 12:00 AM
- India IST: 10:30 PM
Free Practice 3
- Las Vegas PST: 5:30 AM
- London GMT: 1:30 PM
- Berlin CET: 2:30 PM
- Moscow MSK: 4:30 PM
- Dubai GST: 5:30 PM
- Melbourne AEDT: 12:30 AM
- Tokyo JST: 10:30 PM
- Singapore SGT: 9:30 PM
- New York EST: 8:30 AM
- China CST: 9:30 PM
- India IST: 7:00 PM
Qualifying
- Las Vegas PST: 9:00 AM
- London GMT: 5:00 PM
- Berlin CET: 6:00 PM
- Moscow MSK: 8:00 PM
- Dubai GST: 9:00 PM
- Melbourne AEDT: 4:00 AM
- Tokyo JST: 2:00 AM
- Singapore SGT: 1:00 AM
- New York EST: 12:00 PM
- China CST: 1:00 AM
- India IST: 10:30 PM
Bahrain Grand Prix
- Las Vegas PST: 8:00 AM
- London GMT: 4:00 PM
- Berlin CET: 5:00 PM
- Moscow MSK: 7:00 PM
- Dubai GST: 8:00 PM
- Melbourne AEDT: 3:00 AM
- Tokyo JST: 1:00 AM
Singapore SGT: 12:00 AM - New York EST: 11:00 AM
- China CST: 12:00 AM
- India IST: 10:30 PM
Bahrain Grand Prix 2024
First race of the season
For several years in a row, the Bahrain Grand Prix has been the first race on the calendar! The season begins with preseason testing, where drivers get their first chance to drive their new cars. After the testing weekend, Bahrain often has the honor of hosting the season's opening race. However, that is not the case this year. In 2024, though, this was still the tradition. Teams traveled to the desert to test, gather all the necessary data, and then race in the season's first Grand Prix.
Qualifying
Despite completing many test laps, drivers still need time to adjust to their new cars. They must rediscover the feel of the car, and after several days of testing and free practice sessions, it was finally time for the first qualifying session of the season. Following a dominant 2023 season, Max Verstappen made his mark once again during the opening race weekend of 2024, setting the fastest time and securing pole position.
Bahrain Grand Prix
Verstappen didn’t just dominate during qualifying but carried that form into the Grand Prix as well. At the start, he quickly left Leclerc and Russell, the second and third-place qualifiers, trailing behind, along with the rest of the field. The race was packed with overtakes and memorable moments, but the Dutchman emerged victorious, making a strong statement to kick off the season. He left his teammate in second place, while Sainz completed the podium in third.
Why You Should Attend the Bahrain Grand Prix
The Bahrain Grand Prix is a must-visit for any motorsport fan, offering thrilling "duels in the desert" on a track that never fails to deliver exciting action. Beyond the race, Bahrain’s 33-island archipelago is perfect for soaking up the sun, with stunning resorts to enjoy. If you’re inspired to hit the track yourself, the Bahrain International Karting Circuit, located next to the F1 venue, is one of the best in the world. For the best views, the Batelco Grandstand provides a clear sightline to key sections like Turns 8, 9, 10, and 11, while the grandstand at Turns 1 and 2 is perfect for catching overtaking
FanCam
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