Manama: Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), known as 'The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East,' in partnership with Gulf Air, is set to host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2025 as part of Formula 1's 75th anniversary celebrations. The event is scheduled from April 11-13, marking it as the fourth round of the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. It promises a weekend filled with racing, family entertainment, and concerts.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the official launch event occurred at BIC in Sakhir. Attendees included McLaren F1 driver Oscar Piastri, BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Gulf Air Chairman Khaled Hussain Taqi, Gulf Air's Chief Customer Experience Officer Hanadi Al Ali, and F1 presenter Laura Winter. This year's Bahrain Grand Prix will also celebrate Gulf Air's 75 years, highlighting the airline's role as the national carrier and title sponsor, which has significantly boosted Bahrain's global motorsport image.
The race will run under the slogan 'The Desert Never Sleeps,' emphasizing the distinct features of the Bahrain Grand Prix, notably the 57-lap night race. Fans are set to enjoy a thrilling experience both on and off the track. BIC will also host the F1 Aramco Pre-Season Testing 2025 from Wednesday to Friday, with teams and drivers already in Bahrain preparing for the sessions.
This season is notable for major driver moves, including Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari, Carlos Sainz moving to Williams, Esteban Ocon to Haas, and Nico Hulkenberg to Kick Sauber. Additionally, six drivers will debut full-time in F1: Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Oliver Bearman (Haas), Jack Doohan (Alpine), Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber), Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls), and Liam Lawson (Red Bull Racing).
BIC Chief Executive highlighted the growing global interest in the Bahrain Grand Prix, with the 75th-anniversary celebrations adding a special element. Gulf Air's Chief Customer Experience Officer emphasized the airline's enduring partnership with BIC, supporting Bahrain's international motorsport presence.
In addition to F1, the event will include international support races such as the FIA Formula 2 Championship, FIA Formula 3 Championship, and the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East. These series serve as important feeder series to Formula 1, drawing considerable fan interest.
BIC has organized an extensive off-track entertainment program featuring circus acts, carnival rides, a giant Ferris wheel, and a children's festival with characters like Sonic and Snoopy. A charity auction will also be held, offering exclusive F1 memorabilia, with proceeds benefiting the Royal Humanitarian Foundation.
Ticket demand is high, with corporate lounges sold out and limited availability for hospitality and grandstand seats. Fans can purchase tickets at bahraingp.com or via the BIC Hotline at +973-17450000. Those who bought their Grand Prix tickets before December 7, 2024, will receive free access to Friday's pre-season testing.
With global attention focused on BIC, the 2025 race is set to deliver an unparalleled spectacle, celebrating Formula 1's 75-year legacy under the lights.