It’s that time of the year again — Formula 1 (F1) is racing back into Bahrain this April, and it’s still the biggest show on the island. The Bahrain Grand Prix, hosted at the Bahrain International Circuit since 2004, has seen some legendary battles and iconic names on the podium—Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton (the record-holder for the most wins here), and of course, the current champ, Max Verstappen.
If the stars align, you might just catch one of those famous ‘duels in the desert’ as 20 drivers go full throttle under the BIC floodlights on race day.
Got a Ticket? Lucky You.
Tickets are already sold out, so if you’ve managed to snag yours—well done. Now’s the time to map out your game plan for the weekend, because there’s more to the Grand Prix than just the race.
The Bahrain GP is one of the most organised stops on the F1 calendar—seriously, it’s a breeze compared to the chaos at some other circuits (if you know, you know). That said, a little prep goes a long way. Here are a few tried-and-tested tips to help you make the most of your race weekend.
1. Beat the Traffic
Plan to head out early. Traffic can get heavy—especially around the security checkpoints near BIC. There might even be some last-minute diversions along Gulf of Bahrain Avenue, so best to give yourself plenty of time.
2. A Parking Sticker = Less Stress
Pop by the BIC kiosk at City Centre Bahrain to grab a parking sticker if you haven’t already. It’s not just for show—it helps you access the correct gate and gets you into a proper parking spot close to your designated entrance. Way better than trekking across a dusty carpark.
3. More Than Just a Race
The Grand Prix experience goes far beyond the grid. Think fanzones with drummers, dancers, stilt walkers, racing simulators, carnival rides, merch kiosks, and even a giant Ferris wheel offering a panoramic view of the track. Food and drink options? Plenty. The whole place turns into a racing festival, so give yourself time to soak it all in.
Take a look at the Traffic and Parking Advisory for the Bahrain Grand Prix Weekend
Friday, 11 April – R3HAB
The Dutch-Moroccan DJ hits the stage with his signature high-energy sound. Known for chart-topping tracks and collabs with Rihanna, ZAYN, Calvin Harris, and more, R3HAB kicks off the weekend with a bang.
Saturday, 12 April – Peggy Gou
Peggy Gou brings her Berlin-meets-K-pop vibe to Bahrain. Her track “(It Goes Like) Nanana” was the dance anthem of 2023, and she’s sure to bring serious energy on Saturday night.
Sunday, 13 April – Axwell
Swedish House Mafia fans, this one’s for you. Axwell closes out the weekend with a performance that promises nostalgia, big beats, and remixes you didn’t realise you still had on repeat.
From support races to practice sessions and fan activities, there’s plenty of on-track action to follow throughout the four days. If you’re a motorsport purist (or just a curious fan), make sure to catch the Formula 2, Formula 3, and Porsche Carrera Cup races in the lead-up to Sunday’s main event.
Gates Open – 4:00 pm
Pit Lane Walk – 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Gates Close – 10:00 pm
Gates Open – 9:00 am
Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East First Practice Session – 9:45 am to 10:30 am
FIA Formula 3 Practice Session – 10:55 am to 11:40 am
FIA Formula 2 Practice Session – 12:05 pm to 12:50 pm
Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk and Track Tour – 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Formula 1 First Practice Session (FP1) – 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
FIA Formula 3 Qualifying Session – 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm
FIA Formula 2 Qualifying Session – 4:55 pm to 5:25 pm
Formula 1 Second Practice Session (FP2) – 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East Second Practice Session – 7:30 pm to 8:15 pm
Paddock Club Track Tour and Pit Lane Walk – 8:25 pm to 9:25 pm
Gates Close – 11:00 pm
Gates Open – 9:00 am
Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East – 12:05 pm to 12:35 pm
FIA Formula 3 Sprint Race – 1:15 pm to 2:00 pm
Paddock Clyb Pit Lane Walk and Track Tour – 2:15 pm to 3:00 pm
Formula 1 Third Practice Session (FP3) – 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race – 5:15 pm to 6:05 pm
Formula 1 Qualifying Session – 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East First Race – 8:45 pm to 9:15 pm
Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk and Track Tour – 9:20 pm to 10:20 pm
Gates Close – 11:00 pm
Gates Open – 9:00 am
Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East – 11:45 am to 12:15 pm
FIA Formula 3 Feature Race – 12:55 pm to 1:45 pm
FIA Formula 2 Feature Race – 2:25 pm to 3:30 pm
Paddock Club Track Tour and Pit Lane Walk – 3:40 pm to 4:40 pm
Formula 1 Drivers’ Parade – 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Formula 1 National Anthem – 5:44 pm to 5:46 pm
Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix – 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Gates Close – 11:00 pm
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned GP fan, the Bahrain race weekend has something for everyone—speed, spectacle, and a side of music. Just don’t forget your sunscreen, phone charger, and a comfy pair of shoes.
