Fans from around the world enjoyed the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix’s first day of on-and off-track thrills at the Bahrain International Circuit yesterday.
First-time visitors to the kingdom as well as Bahraini citizens and residents alike enjoyed roaming acts, shopping experiences, cultural areas, games and more off-track, as Formula 1, F2, F3 and Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East drivers kept the track warm during a day filled with practice sessions ahead of today’s races and qualifying sessions.
“This is my son Nahyan’s first time visiting the F1 race and he is all decked out in Mercedes gear to support his favourite driver Kimi Antonelli,” Al Haddad Motors marketing manager Imran Ali told the GDN in the paddock area.
The Bahrain Grand Prix offered visitors from countries like Türkiye and India an opportunity to visit the kingdom and enjoy its hospitality and cultural offerings.
Indian national Harsh Dhami and his friends – Arpan Shah, Bivraj Koradia, Akshay Dhami, Karan Dhami and Akash Doshi – made a boys’ trip and flew from the subcontinent for the race.
Sources at the circuit told the GDN that India is one of the fastest growing markets for the grand prix in Bahrain, owing to its cultural experiences, proximity and value.
“We got into F1 especially after watching Drive to Survive and since Bahrain is so nearby, we decided to come together and celebrate by enjoying some F1 racing,” Mr Harsh Dhami explained.
“It has been an amazing experience and the kingdom has a lot to offer, even beyond the F1. It is our first time here and it has been incredible!”
Busra Sevencan, 26, and Ibrahim Aydin, 25, also flew in from Istanbul and enjoyed the all-new Bahraini Village experience.
Local traditions and handicrafts were showcased at the new area, which is located behind the giant fan-favourite Ferris Wheel and is the first stop for fans taking the shuttle bus from the Exhibition World Bahrain parking area.
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.
“We are excited to visit Bahrain and it’s nice that we can experience local culture right here at the circuit,” Ms Sevencan added.
“On the track, this weekend, we will be supporting the Mercedes team and we are looking forward to seeing more racing tomorrow.”
Racing was not the only thing keeping the track hot yesterday, with temperatures hitting 30C during the day.
However, misting and hydration stations strategically located around the track offered fans a respite from the warm weather, while others rested in the many shaded gazebos located in the vending area.
Medics and doctors were on hand throughout the circuit, with a dedicated station located near Gate 1.
As the weather cooled down in the afternoon, families and friends lined up at the various booths.
In addition to the all-new F1 Lego store selling do-it-yourself buildable race cars, tracks and garages, fans could get virtual selfies taken with drivers, enjoy an immersive digital experience of the BIC track and test out their racing chops against old and new friends.
F1 enthusiasts enjoyed hearing from star drivers and team officials in the first of two days of the fan forums, held on the main stage of BIC’s vending area.
Yesterday’s live interviews featured the Racing Bulls pair of Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar, Williams’ Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz, McLaren’s constructors’ world title-winning tandem of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, Kick Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, and Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich.
In the evening, multi-platinum DJ and producer Fadil El Ghoul, better known as R3HAB, closed out the first day of action with a heart-pumping dance and electronic set, featuring some of his best hits, like Believe (Shooting Stars), Rock My Body and more.
R3HAB has been trailblazing his way through dance music for the past 15 years. From his breakthrough remixes for Rihanna, Drake, Taylor Swift, and Calvin Harris, to his collaborations with the likes of Ava Max, ZAYN, Jason Derulo, Luis Fonsi, and more, R3HAB has proven to be one of the most forward-thinking artists in music.
His work has collected more than 12 billion streams to date, including more than 1.1 billion in 2024 alone.
He has embarked on multiple sold-out worldwide tours and yesterday on the main stage of the BIC’s vending area, he showed fans exactly why.
With stunning visuals, and a set list filled with danceable bangers, the concert was the perfect end to a fantastic first day of the Bahrain Grand Prix race weekend.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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