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A massive security presence on the streets of Bahrain blunted anti-government protesters efforts to disrupt the Formula 1 Grand Prix on Sunday.

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It was not the burning rubber the FIA wanted to see in Bahrain.

As Sebastian Vettel drove to victory in the controversial Formula 1 Grand Prix on the circuit in Sakhir, protesters took to the streets in Manama as civil unrest continues to grip the Gulf state.

There were isolated clashes between the police and protesters angry with the ruling royal family's lack of democratic reforms, but the events took place well away from the race track, which is 30km south of the capital.

The race has dominated the news over the last few days and it has been near enough impossible to separate sport from politics as a protester was found dead on the eve of the race.

One protester claimed F1's presence in Bahrain was merely strengthening the position of the main organisers of the race - the crown prince.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Protester, no name given

"Today we don't like for this Formula One. It's like they take all the blood from the Shia. The King of Bahrain is happy because he bring the Formula 1 in Bahrain. We don't like Formula 1 in Bahrain. It is not finishing."

After last year's Grand Prix was cancelled due to the state's violent suppression of protesters, many believe the race shouldn't have gone ahead on Sunday as troubles have continued.

Many in F1 will be relieved to be leaving after a difficult week for a sport that has attracted a lot of criticism for it's decision to race in Bahrain.