F1 extends Bahrain GP deal to 2036

The news reflects the fact that F1 is taking advantage of the surge in popularity of the sport fuelled by an exciting 2021 season and by the popular Netflix Drive to Survive series to secure extended deals with its existing race promoters.

This year’s calendar runs to 23 GPs, but with limited room to expand in future seasons the interest from potential new events such as Las Vegas has given F1 an opportunity to encourage current races to secure their long-term futures.

Last month it was confirmed that the Singapore GP will now run to 2028, and in November a contract extension to 2025 was signed with China.

The lucrative Middle East races are hugely important for F1. The Saudi GP deal runs for 10-years, while last year an agreement was reached on a 10-year contract to run a race in Qatar from 2023.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB16B Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W12, Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes W12 and Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF21 at the start of the race

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

Just before last year’s Abu Dhabi GP it was announced that the Yas Marina race will remain on the calendar as the season closing event until 2030.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: "We 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.

"Since 2004 we have had some fantastic races in Sakhir and we cannot wait to be back there for the start of the 2022 championship as we begin a new era for the sport.

"Bahrain was the first country in the Middle East to welcome Formula 1 and it has a very special place in our sport, and I personally want to thank HRH Prince Salman and his team for their dedication and hard work throughout our