A record-setting sell-out crowd of 105,000 visited the Bahrain International Circuit during the three days of the 21st edition of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Grand Prix race weekend.
Yesterday, 37,700 fans visited the circuit, cheering on their favourite drivers for the final race.
“This year has yet again demonstrated the incredible popularity of motorsport around the world,” BIC chairman Aref Rahimi said.
“Our crowds grow bigger every year and their passion for the sport and energy they bring to the race weekend is profound. This gives us great confidence for the future of this great sport in Bahrain.
“An event of this scale would not be possible without the support of Formula 1 and the FIA, so I offer them my sincere thanks.
“I also thank the teams, The Bahrain Motor Federation, marshals and all those who enable us to put on the spectacle for fans around the world.”
The track also set a record of 12,000 international fans who flew from around the world, including South Korea, Türkiye, India, Philippines, UK and more to enjoy the weekend.
This year’s F1 weekend was the fourth round of the 2025 FIA F1 World Championship, celebrating the 75th anniversary of both F1 and Bahrain’s national carrier and grand prix title sponsor Gulf Air.
It was the first night race of the season, taking place under BIC’s bright, state-of-the-art floodlights and showed the world that ‘The Desert Never Sleeps’.
“This weekend, we have again seen record crowds coming to BIC, including our highest number of international fans, to witness an incredible spectacle of racing and entertainment,” BIC chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa added.
“After 21 years of F1, we are especially encouraged by the generation of fans in Bahrain who have grown up with the sport and come every year and bring their passion to the packed grandstands.
“I thank everyone who has made this weekend possible and look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026, as we continue to strive to provide incredible memories for our fans.”
Off-track, BIC lined up an incredible entertainment programme, with Circus Cortex being one of the leading attractions.
In addition, roaming acts putting smiles on people’s faces were Professor Bubbles, Pop the Balloon Man, Colourful Puppets, Acaia Flag Wavers, Kalimba Batucada, and Dapper Chaps.
Local traditions and handicrafts were showcased at the new Bahraini Village, located behind the giant fan-favourite Ferris Wheel.
All those visiting the site enjoyed various traditional activities including dhow making, henna artistry, mat making, basket weaving, oyster net making and pottery making.
Food vendors also offered the very best of Bahraini cuisine including a sharbat stand and traditional outdoor cooking stalls.
Last night’s festivities were flagged off by a final concert by Grammy-nominated artist, DJ, and producer Axwell, who brought the curtain down on the grand prix weekend with a spectacular post-race celebration off the track.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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