Sheikh Salman Bin Isa Al Khalifa graduated from the National American University in Denver, Colorado, where he pursued Applied Management studies. In 2004, he assumed his initial official position at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) as the Head of Governmental Affairs.
He actively contributed to the circuit’s involvement in Bahrain’s community, as well as enhancing the country’s positive image for the numerous international visitors and media that come each year.
Furthermore, Sheikh Salman worked for Bahrain’s General Organisation for Youth and Sport and held the position of Vice President at The Bahrain Motor Federation. He also served on various sports advisory boards, including the FIA Single Seater Commission and the F1 Commission.
In the early 2000s, the story goes that F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone negotiated a deal with Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum for a Grand Prix in Dubai. However, due to a possible misjudgment on the part of the Emirate’s ruler, the FOM entourage was kept waiting for too long.
As a result, Bernie decided to fly to Bahrain, where he received a warm welcome. This ultimately led to Bahrain hosting the first-ever F1 race in the Middle East, while Dubai missed out on the opportunity. Instead, Abu Dhabi became the proud host of a Grand Prix.
Bahrain’s successful hosting of F1 sparked a racing frenzy in the Middle East, with Abu Dhabi being added to the F1 calendar and Saudi Arabia and Qatar following suit. Notably, Saudi Arabia now holds the opening race of the season and is the preferred venue for pre-season F1 Testing.
To commemorate the 20th Grand Prix held at Sakhir, Sheikh Salman conducted an interview at the circuit he and his team constructed for the country’s Grand Prix. He proved to be a charming and articulate host, displaying a deep passion for motorsport at all levels.
Agnes Carlier: Can you recall the process behind the decision to hold the inaugural F1 event in Bahrain and how you prepared for the first Grand Prix in 2004? Sheikh Salman: The agreement was reached between Bahrain and Bernie Ecclestone. We were deeply passionate about this endeavor. We had a rich motorsport history dating back to 1952, with strong support from the motor federation. This was a continuation of that legacy. Bernie Ecclestone then introduced us to Herman Tilke. From there, the journey began, with the construction of the track and securing the FIA agreement. It’s incredible to think that this all happened twenty years ago, and it’s remarkable how this sport has propelled Bahrain’s progress and economic growth.
Agnes: The Bahrain Grand Prix marked the first-ever race in the Middle East… Sheikh Salman: Indeed, Bahrain was the pioneer in the Gulf region. We were the first to host a modern Grand Prix in the Middle East, and today, we are joined by Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, as they have followed Bahrain’s leadership.
Agnes: Singapore in Asia joined the F1 calendar in 2008, while Abu Dhabi only joined in 2009, and Qatar in 2021. We also have races in Turkey, Malaysia, Korea, Suzuka, India, and Azerbaijan. Are you proud to have been the first Grand Prix in the Gulf? Sheikh Salman: Absolutely, the arrival of the Grand Prix in Bahrain is a momentous occasion for us. It has a tremendous impact on our country and allows us to drive the changes we aspire to make. Everyone who visits gets to witness our small island, which competes with larger nations hosting the Grand Prix.
Agnes: Do you believe that the Bahrain Grand Prix played a significant role in the Gulf region? You refer to the GP as the primary motorsport event in the Middle East… Sheikh Salman: The crucial aspect is not just the brief visit of the Grand Prix. We have made investments in our human resources, including the marshals and race track personnel. We have supported our friends in India, Azerbaijan, and Saudi Arabia during their initial years by sending our marshals and teams there. For example, we assisted in organizing races in India for two years and in Baku for three years. The agreement is that we provide assistance, and they move forward. What matters to us is ensuring that neighboring countries in the Gulf or in Asia do not repeat the same beginner mistakes. We will not allow that. It is important for us to share our experiences and prevent others from making the same errors, thus saving time and costs for all parties involved. We extend a helping hand, drawing from our own experiences, and Bahrain offers its support.
Agnes: Does hosting a night race make it more attractive to spectators? Sheikh Salman: On our tenth anniversary in 2014, we transitioned to hosting a night race. The Grand Prix weekends have always taken place on a working day, specifically on Sundays. This arrangement is beneficial as schools are closed and people have finished their work, allowing them more time to attend the race.
Agnes: How does the Bahrain Grand Prix contribute to the country’s economy? Sheikh Salman: There is a direct impact. Consider the impact on hotels, rental car services, and restaurants. We commission a study by the economic board in Bahrain every other year, which demonstrates significant growth. The race brings about positive effects, with restaurants and hotels operating at full capacity, resulting in substantial numbers. This economic impact is consistent year after year. While not comparable, if we look at the Olympic Games, the impact is tremendous but occurs only once every four years. Once a country has hosted the Olympics, it remains uncertain when it will have the opportunity to host it again. On the other hand, hosting an F1 Grand Prix for four consecutive years generates a significant economic impact.
Agnes: What is your most cherished memory in your two decades of history… Schumacher’s triumphant victory in the inaugural Grand Prix in 2004? Alonso’s back-to-back wins in 2005 and 2006, and again in 2010? Massa’s impressive performances in 2007 and 2008? Jenson Button’s remarkable victory in 2009? Vettel’s dominating triumphs in 2013 and 2017? Hamilton’s incredible achievements in 2014, 2015, 2019, and 2021? Rosberg’s memorable win in 2016? Leclerc’s breakthrough success in 2022? Or Max Verstappen’s spectacular triumph in 2023?
Sheikh Salman: For me, the most cherished memory is undoubtedly when the five lights went out and we witnessed the Grand Prix in 2004! I can still vividly recall where I was standing. It was the moment our dream became a reality, and we finally had the Grand Prix. Another significant memory for me is the 2014 race with Hamilton and Rosberg, where the crowd erupted in cheers as the cars raced down the straight towards Turn 1. The atmosphere was electrifying, and it became known as the “Duel in the Desert.” That was truly unforgettable.
Agnes: Are you a racing enthusiast? Sheikh Salman: I have a great passion for racing. While I may not consider myself a professional racer, I have participated in various events. My first experience was in the Middle East Porsche Super Cup. I have also competed in several 24-hour races in Dubai, but these were GT races rather than single-seater racing.
Agnes: Can you recall your emotions during the accident involving Romain Grosjean? Sheikh Salman: Absolutely, without a doubt. We have a well-prepared “major incident plan” that we practice during training sessions with the Marshalls. It is something we study and work on, hoping that we never have to implement it. The accident involving Grosjean demonstrated the effectiveness of our training and how everyone remained composed. Each person knew their role and carried out their assignments flawlessly. There was no room for panic or confusion. Remarkably, Grosjean was able to exit the car within 28 seconds. However, repairing the damaged barriers on the track proved to be a more challenging task. Nevertheless, we managed to restore the concrete barriers within 25 to 30 minutes, allowing the race to resume. I remember it vividly. Thankfully, Grosjean escaped without serious injuries. This incident highlighted the strength of the halo and the significant advancements in car safety made by the FIA, which have saved numerous lives. Even the recent incident involving Hamilton and Verstappen in Monza showcased the remarkable progress in race car safety. It is truly remarkable.
Agnes: You have brought life to this racecourse, something is always happening here… Sheikh Salman: The track is constantly used by spectators and they are always welcome. Before COVID, we had approximately 300 events at the Bahrain track. After COVID, we are working towards bringing that back. This year, we have around 250 events planned at the track. The aim is to make full use of the track and all its existing venues. On weekdays, we engage in fitness activities on the track and invite guests to run and cycle here. The goal is to maximize the utilization of the track.
Agnes: What is your vision for this racecourse? Sheikh Salman: In the past three years, we have consistently sold out. We have had over thirty thousand spectators, including the Paddock club. The grandstands have a seating capacity of 35,000. Over the next three, four, or five years, we need to consider expansion. We have already expanded the Paddock club and extended the team’s balconies to provide more space and comfort for their guests. Additionally, we need to modernize the track a little. It has been 20 years since its establishment, and the cars have changed as well. They have become lighter and have more downforce. We don’t just fix things; we also focus on modernizing the track. This is where our collaboration with the FIA comes into play, especially regarding track limits and other regulations. We had to make quick decisions at the track after the testing session.
Agnes: Does having a president like Mohamed Ben Sulayem make a difference? Sheikh Salman: Not really. The FIA remains the FIA, and our dealings are through the ASN. The rules remain the same. We are in Bahrain, and the President is in Dubai.
Agnes: Do you see UAE, Bahrain, Saudi, and Qatar as competitors? Sheikh Salman: We do not view each other as competitors. We each have our own unique contributions in building the fan base. We do not have passionate fans like those in Japan or Europe. However, with the younger generation and platforms like Netflix, it becomes increasingly important. People who were attending the races twenty years ago as children now bring their own kids. It has taken twenty years to reach this point, and we are still working on expanding the fan base. Fortunately, Saudi Arabia has opened up to motorsports, including Dakar and rallies. This is fantastic as we see an increase in the number of people crossing the causeway each year. Saudi Arabia has the highest number of ticket sales, and we have seen a significant influx of F1 fans from the UK, who spend on accommodations, food, and rentals. Now, with races taking place on weekends instead of Sundays, it is even better as it allows more people to attend without work restrictions.
Agnes: What are your plans for this F1 season? Sheikh Salman: Our plan is to successfully complete the race tomorrow! However, I will most likely be in Saudi Arabia as well…
Tomorrow, as mentioned by Sheikh Salman in his closing remarks, will be Friday, 1 March. This day will mark the qualifying session for the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix, followed by the race day on Saturday. During this race, we witnessed an impressive performance by Max Verstappen, who secured a commanding victory. Red Bull had a strong presence, as they claimed the top two positions, with Verstappen leading the way and teammate Sergio Perez following closely behind, albeit with a considerable time gap of 22.5 seconds. The Ferrari duo of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc also put up a good fight, chasing after the leading Red Bull drivers.
The competition was fierce, with Mercedes, McLaren, and Aston Martin in close proximity. It is worth noting that the Verstappen-Perez one-two finish in last year’s Bahrain Grand Prix mirrored their positions in the final standings of the 2023 F1 Drivers’ championship. This indicates that they are a formidable duo and will likely continue to be strong contenders in the upcoming races.
Despite any doubts or uncertainties, the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix was deemed a resounding success according to local reports. It boasted the highest attendance ever recorded in the race’s two-decade history on the F1 calendar. This remarkable turnout is a testament to the vision, passion, and hard work put into organizing the event. It is clear that a record number of F1 fans made the journey to Sakhir this year, considering it a sort of pilgrimage to witness the thrilling races firsthand.
As the action unfolds on the track, the 20th edition of the GP at Sakhir has set the stage for an exciting year ahead. Nineteen drivers will be in hot pursuit of the triple F1 World Champion, Max Verstappen. Sheikh Salman, like all of us, will be watching with great interest, as racing runs in his blood as well.