The Sakhir Grand Prix was a one-off Formula 1 event held in 2020 at the Bahrain International Circuit. Created as part of the revised pandemic-era calendar, it was staged one week after the Bahrain Grand Prix but used a dramatically different layout.
Unlike the traditional Grand Prix configuration, the race took place on the shorter and faster ‘Outer Circuit’ layout. At just 3.543 km, it produced lap times under one minute and delivered one of the most unpredictable races of the modern era.
What To Know?
- One race, one first-time winner – Sergio Pérez claimed his maiden Formula 1 victory in the only Sakhir Grand Prix ever held.
- Racing Point’s only win – The 2020 race remains the sole Grand Prix victory for Racing Point as a constructor.
- Shortest lap of the modern era – The Outer Circuit layout produced sub-one-minute lap times, something rarely seen in Formula 1 history.
- A dramatic Mercedes error shaped the result – A pit stop mix-up and puncture for George Russell transformed what looked like a
List of Every Sakhir Grand Prix Winner
| Year | Circuit | Driver | Constructor | Start Pos. | Win margin | Race time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Bahrain International Circuit | Sergio Perez | Racing Point Mercedes | 5 | 10.518s | 1hr 31m 15.114s |
Sakhir Grand Prix Winner: 2020
Victory in the only running of the Sakhir Grand Prix went to Sergio Pérez, who delivered a remarkable comeback drive for Racing Point.
After spinning on the opening lap and dropping to the back of the field, Pérez steadily fought his way forward. The race appeared to belong to Mercedes substitute George Russell, who had taken the lead after a strong performance. However, a pit stop mix-up and a late puncture cost Russell the win. Pérez inherited the lead in the closing stages and held on to secure his first Formula 1 victory.
The result was historic on multiple levels. Pérez became the first Mexican driver to win a Grand Prix since Pedro Rodríguez in 1970. Racing Point secured its only victory as a constructor and achieved its only double podium finish, with Lance Stroll finishing third. Esteban Ocon claimed second place for Renault, earning his maiden Formula 1 podium.
The race was also notable for being the first Formula 1 event since 2007 not to feature Lewis Hamilton, who was sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19. As a one-off event born out of extraordinary circumstances, the Sakhir Grand Prix delivered a chaotic and emotional chapter in F1 history.
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