The greatest moments at the Bahrain Grand Prix

Written by Eleana Cheshire, Edited by Gabriel Tsui

Credit - Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

The Bahrain Grand Prix has been on the Formula One calendar for 21 years, and has supplied fans with some of the most unforgettable moments over the years, so what exactly have been some of the most memorable moments?

The hottest Grand Prix on record

In 2005, in just its second year of being on the calendar, the Bahrain Grand Prix became the hottest race in Formula 1 history, where the temperature in the air was 42.6°C, but the track temperature was 56°C! This scorching temperature was due to the fact that the race was being held during the day. 

However on the circuit's ten year anniversary in 2014, the grand prix was switched to a night race. The 2005 Bahrain Grand Prix also saw Pedro de la Rosa set the fastest lap record, this record still has not been broken twenty years later!

Fernando Alonso winning on his Ferrari debut

Fernando Alonso started the 2010 season and his first year at Ferrari with a bang, winning his first race with the Scuderia. The 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix ended with champagne for both sides of the garage, as Felipe Massa, who had returned to the sport after his life-threatening injuries in 2009, joined Alonso on the podium for a 1-2 finish. 

The phoenix rises from the fire

The 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix saw Romain Grosjean crash into the barriers on the first lap of the grand prix, where his Haas VF-20 split in half and burst into flames. 

For what seemed like forever, Grosjean was trapped inside of the car. However, like a scene out of a movie, he rose from the fire, escaping from the crash with only minor injuries to his hand. Romain Grosjean was later given the nickname ‘The Phoenix’ for escaping death and rising from the fire. 

A Ferrari 1-2 and a Red Bull double DNF

After winning the 2021 F1 championship, it seemed almost certain that Max Verstappen would go into the 2022 season by winning the first race. However, Charles Leclerc ended the Saturday on pole with Max Verstappen starting behind him. 

From lights out to the end, Verstappen and Leclerc engaged in fierce battles, but ultimately at the chequered flag, Ferrari came out on top with a 1-2 as Red Bull fell to the bottom with a double DNF. 

Mercedes ace the new regulations in 2014

In the age of the V6 hybrids, Mercedes aced the new regulations. Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton battled it out throughout the race, giving fans a preview of what was to come in the next few years between the two. 

There was controversy on Rosberg’s side of the garage due to him using illegal engine modes in the race. However, Hamilton came out on top and won the race. 

A Mercedes disaster for George Russell

In 2020, F1 fans were met with two races in Bahrain, with the second week being raced on the alternate layout. With the seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton having to miss out on the race due to illness, Mercedes needed George Russell to fill in on short notice. 

Despite not being able to fit in Hamilton’s car properly, Russell put his car on the front row alongside teammate Valtteri Bottas. Russell took the lead from turn 1, and the race win was seemingly in his hands. During the safety car Mercedes pitted Russell but with Bottas’ tyres. 

A rear left puncture just ten laps before the end of the grand prix shattered Russells dream. A nightmare for Russell was a dream for Sergio Pérez, who won the race after being spun and sent to the back, securing the highlight of his career.

Will the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix supply F1 fans with memorable moments, as McLaren driver Lando Norris fights Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for the championship?