The 2004 Bahrain Grand Prix was the first Formula One race held in Bahrain and the Middle East, marking F1's expansion into the region.
Key Facts
- Race winner
- Michael Schumacher (Ferrari)
- Number of laps
- 57 laps
- Championship round
- 3rd round of 2004 season
- 2nd place
- Rubens Barrichello (Ferrari)
- 3rd place
- Jenson Button (BAR)
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Formula One's governing body, the FIA, expanded the World Championship calendar to include Bahrain, reflecting the sport's drive to grow its global footprint into new markets. Bahrain constructed the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir specifically to host the event.
On 4 April 2004, the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix was held at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. Michael Schumacher led a Ferrari one-two finish, winning the 57-lap race ahead of teammate Rubens Barrichello, with Jenson Button of BAR finishing third.
The race established Bahrain as a permanent fixture on the Formula One calendar and opened the door to further F1 expansion across the Middle East, a region that would later host additional grands prix in Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.