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F1 Drivers Had Phones Confiscated at Exclusive Bahrain GP Afterparty — A Tradition Set in Stone
The post-race afterparty following the Bahrain Grand Prix has officially cemented itself as an exclusive and private tradition on the Formula 1 calendar — with strict rules that now come as no surprise to those within the F1 paddock.
Hosted by Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the annual celebration at his royal palace near the Bahrain International Circuit welcomed drivers, team principals, and their partners once again this season. But, as has become standard practice, attendees were required to surrender their mobile phones at the entrance, ensuring total privacy for all guests.
F1 photographer Kym Illman confirmed the continuation of this rule, stating on his YouTube channel that the phone ban is strictly enforced every year, allowing the event to remain a rare, off-the-record space for the sport’s elite. This explains why, year after year, no photos, videos, or social media content from the party ever surface online — a sharp contrast to the usual media-heavy environment of Formula 1.
The gathering, now widely accepted as a closed-door affair, is strictly by invitation only and features a blend of royal hospitality and luxury that few outside the F1 world get to experience. Over the seasons, it has become clear that this event is not a one-off indulgence but a permanent fixture, anticipated by those in the know and respected for its discretion.
For a sport constantly under the lens of fans, press, and content creators, the Bahrain GP afterparty stands as a rare moment of detachment. It offers drivers and team members a chance to unwind away from the public eye, with no cameras, interviews, or social feeds — just private celebration in a secure, elite setting.
As Formula 1 continues to deepen its roots in the Middle East and beyond, events like these highlight the close relationship between the sport and its host nations. The Bahrain GP afterparty is now more than a tradition — it’s a done deal, an integral part of F1 culture that reflects both the sport’s prestige and its evolving global stature.