A Quick Bahrain Grand Prix Race Guide

Bahrain kicks off this year’s first F1 race in the Gulf States — and also the first night race of the season! Bahrain is generally a pretty good track for racing action, with lots of chances for overtakes. It’s also used for pre-season testing now, so it’s a track the drivers and teams are pretty familiar with.

Here’s your mini Bahrain Grand Prix race guide, including all you need to know about tickets, where to sit, the fan experience, what you can bring to the track, and more.

Quick race guide to the Bahrain GP

Here’s everything you need to know if you’re headed to the Bahrain Grand Prix, or are interested in traveling to Bahrain one day for an F1 race.

Official race name

Officially, this is the FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX.

When is it?

The Bahrain GP takes place April 10-12, 2026. Because it’s a night race, the sessions start later in the day to avoid the desert heat. Here is the schedule:

April 10: Practice 1, Practice 2
April 11: Practice 3, Qualifying
April 12: Race Day

Race location

The Bahrain GP takes place at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir, which is about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) south of the capital city, Manama. The permanent circuit is a Hermann Tilke design, measuring 5.412 kilometers (3.36 miles) long with 15 corners. Drivers race 57 laps here.

The inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix took place in 2004, and it was Formula 1’s first race in the Middle East.

Getting to the track

The Bahrain International Circuit is located in the middle of the desert, so you’ll need a plan to get there from where you’re staying.

Many hotels in Manama offer free shuttles to the circuit during race weekend, including the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, InterContinental Bahrain by IHG, and Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Hotels in Sakhir closer to the circuit also offer free shuttles, including the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa and Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain.

Pro tip: Follow @bah_int_circuit on Instagram, as they usually post shuttle schedules about 2 weeks before the race.

You can also take a taxi or an Uber from Manama to BIC, which takes 30 to 40 minutes with traffic. Expect to pay a premium on race day, though.

Another option is renting a car and driving yourself. Parking is complimentary if purchase several race weekend tickets, but otherwise you’ll need to purchase a parking pass.

Bahrain GP ticket options

It’s worth noting that the BIC only offers grandstand seating; there are no general admission seats here. There are 5 grandstands to choose from — but the tickets here are some of the more affordable ones on the F1 calendar as far as grandstand go.

I always recommend checking ticket options through the host circuit first. For the Bahrain GP, check out:

Bahrain GP website for grandstand and hospitality tickets. 3-day grandstand tickets range from 70 BHD ($185 USD) to 195 BHD ($517), which is a a pretty great price for the whole weekend.
F1 Experiences for The Dome Lounge Hospitality, Champions Club, and Paddock Club tickets.

Tickets for the Bahrain Grand Prix usually go on sale about 9 months in advance. In 2026, buying early bird 3-day ticket packages also got you tickets for Week 2 of Pre-Season Testing in February.

If you are looking for last-minute tickets, you can check authorized ticket resellers like P1 Travel and F1 Tickets.

Best place(s) to sit

There are no general admission areas at Bahrain; you’ve got 5 grandstands to choose from (plus a few hospitality suites) and that’s it! Thankfully, you’re going to have good views from all of them.

The Turn 1 Grandstand usually sells out first, and offers views of the main straight and all the action at Turn 1, which is the best corner for overtaking at BIC. The Main Grandstand is a solid choice if you want to see the starting grid action and podium ceremony. For the best chance to take photos of the cars, Beyon/Batelco Grandstand has an excellent view of the hairpin section.

Note that all grandstands at Bahrain are covered and offer plenty of shade, which is crucial for staying cool under the late-afternoon desert sun before the nighttime action begins.

The fan experience

It may be in the middle of the desert, but the Bahrain Grand Prix has a pretty lively atmosphere during race weekend. Along with exploring the track and checking out all the activations in the Fanzone, you can also ride the giant Ferris Wheel, which towers 42 meters (137 feet) and offers amazing views of the track lit up at night. Riding the Ferris Wheel is free for ticket-holders at the Bahrain GP.

There’s also a lot of live entertainment, including roaming performers and even appearances from world-renowned DJs. In 2026, race attendees can go to a Martin Garrix concert on Friday night. You can also check out the Water Spectacular Circus in the Fanzone, along with the kid-friendly Fun Stop.

There are usually driver interview sessions on Friday and Saturday, and a free pitlane walk for ticket holders on Thursday. Again, follow @bah_int_circuit on Instagram for the exact schedules for these things closer to race weekend.

Bahrain is also known for its fireworks show at the end of the race, so you’ll want to stay in your seat for that!

Note: While alcohol is not banned for tourists in Bahrain, you won’t find it for sale in the Fanzone at the Bahrain GP. Alcohol IS served is certain hospitality areas, but you can’t consume it in the grandstands.

What you can/can’t bring

Knowing what you’re allowed to bring to the race and what’s prohibited is important when planning your Bahrain GP weekend!

Things you CANNOT bring to the Bahrain GP include:

Weapons, or any items that could be used as a weapon and/or endanger public safety
Outside food/drink
Glass containers/bottles
Fireworks, flares, smoke bombs, and lasers
Drones
Air horns
Items containing protest (political, religious, or otherwise) or offensive slogans or inscriptions
Walkie-talkies

Things you CAN bring with you:

Non-professional cameras
A refillable water bottle
Power banks/mobile batteries
Binoculars
Lots of sunscreen!

Track invasion info

Unlike some F1 circuits, there is no “track invasion” where fans can rush down to the track after the race concludes in Bahrain.

Other race weekend events

One of the highlights of the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix is a concert from the world-famous DJ Martin Garrix, which is free for all ticket-holders. The concert will be on Friday night.

What else to do in Manama

While you’re in Manama for the Bahrain Grand Prix, here are five cool things to check out in the capital city. Bahrain isn’t known for being a major tourist destination, but these are some of the top activities not to miss in and around Manama:

Visit the Bahrain National Museum for a deep dive into the island’s 5,000-year history.
Explore Bab Al Bahrain Souq, the traditional market of Manama where you can buy spices, pearls, and other souvenirs.
Visit Al Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world.
Cool off at one of Manama’s massive air-conditioned malls, like The Avenues.
Catch a sunset at a public beach like Al Jazayer Beach, Asry Beach, or Karbabad Beach.

Have you ever been to the Bahrain Grand Prix? If so, what tips would you give people who are going?