Gulf Air has extended its record-setting title partnership of the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix ahead of the new season.
The airline has signed a new deal until 2027, continuing its run of sponsoring the race since its first running in 2004.
No other partner has been attached as to a race for as long a period of time, with the fresh agreement announced just over two weeks before F1 testing gets under way at the Bahrain International Circuit.
“Gulf Air's enduring commitment to the Bahrain Grand Prix is a testament to the power of long-term partnerships in motorsport,” said F1 chief commercial officer, Emily Prazer.
“Their support, spanning over two decades, has been instrumental in establishing this race as a favourite in the Formula 1 calendar, which attracts fans from all over the world to a weekend of great racing and top entertainment.
“We are thrilled to continue this collaboration and look forward to more thrilling racing and shared success in Bahrain.”
Michael Schumacher won the inaugural Bahrain GP in 2004, the first F1 race to be held in the Middle East, leading home team-mate Rubens Barrichello for a Ferrari 1-2 as the BAR of Jenson Button rounded out the podium.
The Bahrain GP has been the first race of the season on six occasions and has acted for the curtain-raiser for the previous four years.
However, it will revert to the fourth race on the 2025 calendar on 13 April, ensuring there is no clash with Ramadan.
“We are immensely proud to extend our partnership with Formula 1, a relationship that has become synonymous with the Bahrain Grand Prix,” said Jeffrey Goh, CEO, Gulf Air Group.
“This collaboration not only reinforces Bahrain's prominent position on the international motorsport stage but also serves as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, tourism development, and global brand recognition for the Kingdom.”
Speaking at the Autosport Business Exchange: London last month, Bahrain International Circuit chief executive Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al-Khalifa spoke of the diversification of events being held at the track, which has hosted – among other things - Bahrain Comic Con and the Bahrain Darts Masters in recent years.
