The Bahrain Grand Prix has signed a new deal to remain on the Formula One calendar until 2036.
The kingdom of Bahrain was the first country in the Middle East to host an F1 race in 2004 and the new contract will take the event beyond its 30th anniversary on the calendar
Bahrain will host the opening round of this year’s F1 season on March 20 and has held a race every year since 2004 with the exception of 2011 when the event was cancelled due to civil unrest in the country.
Since 2014 the race has been held after sundown under floodlights, but as of 2022 the circuit has pledged to ensure all energy used at the race comes from sustainable sources.
“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,” F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said. “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 One 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.”
The new deal is the longest for any venue in F1 and means F1’s four races in the Middle East — including Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and Qatar — will all run into the 2030s.