The 2012 Bahrain Grand Prix was held amid ongoing anti-government protests, making it one of the most politically controversial races in Formula One history.
Key Facts
- Race winner
- Sebastian Vettel
- Laps contested
- 57 laps
- Season round
- 4th round of 2012 F1 season
- Running of Bahrain GP
- 8th
- Pole position
- Sebastian Vettel
- First podium for
- Romain Grosjean (3rd place)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix had been cancelled due to anti-government protests amid the Arab Spring. By 2012, Formula One authorities decided to return to Bahrain despite continued civil unrest and reports of ongoing protests and violence in the country.
On 22 April 2012, the Formula One race was held at Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. Sebastian Vettel started from pole and led most of the race to victory. Kimi Räikkönen charged from eleventh to finish second, while Romain Grosjean claimed his first career podium in third place.
The decision to race drew widespread condemnation from international media outlets including Al Jazeera, CNN, AFP, and Sky News, who labeled it controversial. The Independent described it as one of the most controversial races in the sport's history, intensifying debate over Formula One's political responsibilities.