F1 keeps Bahrain Grand Prix on calendar until 2036

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Formula 1 announced on Friday that it will keep the Bahrain Grand Prix in its racing calendar until the 2036 season.

"I am delighted we will be racing at the Bahrain International Circuit until 2036 where more incredible racing and excitement will be on show to thrill our fans," said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, adding that he "cannot wait" for the 2022 season opener in Sakhir, Bahrain.

The 5.4-kilometer (3.3 miles) Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir was opened in 2004 to make Formula 1 debut in the same year.

​​​​​​​“After 18 years of F1 racing, we are proud to have played a part in F1’s rich history and we now looking forward to continuing to build on that heritage well into the future," said Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, chief executive of Bahrain International Circuit.

German legend Michael Schumacher won the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix for Ferrari.

The race, which has been held 17 times so far, was canceled in 2011 due anti-government protests in the Gulf kingdom.

Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton is the most successful driver in Bahrain, winning five Grands Prix there including the 2021 race.

The 23-round Formula 1 season will begin with the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix in Sakhir on March 20.​​​​​​​