After reaching a new long-term arrangement with F1, the Bahrain Grand Prix will continue on the schedule until at least 2036.
F1 announced on Friday that it has reached an agreement with Bahrain’s promoters to extend their contract until 2036, allowing the championship to compete at the Sakhir circuit.
The Bahrain International Circuit has pledged to improve the event’s environmental sustainability by depending entirely on renewable energy in the future as part of its extended agreement with Formula One.
Bahrain’s ties to Formula One were cemented further last year when pre-season testing took place there, as it will again this year on March 10-12, a week before the season-opening grand prix on March 20. The opening race will be held in Bahrain for the second year in a row.
“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,” said Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
“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 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 Sakhir International Circuit has hosted Formula One races since 2004, and the track has earned a reputation for producing exciting racing.
In 2014, the event changed from a day to a night race to commemorate its 10-year milestone, a move that was well received by both drivers and spectators.
In a much-delayed start to the 2020 season, Bahrain hosted two races towards the end of the season, bringing the total number of Grands Prix to 17.
Romain Grosjean’s dramatic flame collision will be remembered the most from the 2020 race events at the venue. The second race, held a week later on the Outer circuit at the Bahrain International Circuit, gave Sergio Perez his first Formula One victory for Racing Point when George Russell, who was replacing in for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes due to illness, had poor luck just as he was about to win.
