Alex Albon Advocates Thailand’s Bid for F1 Grand Prix
Alex Albon has met with Thailand’s Prime Minister to support the country’s bid for a Formula 1 Grand Prix. The initiative follows encouraging talks between F1 CEO and Thai officials. As countries compete for places on the F1 calendar, Thailand’s ambitions are on the rise, despite limits on race numbers.
The possibility of hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Thailand has received significant support, particularly from Thai-British driver Alex Albon. Albon recently met with Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to advocate for the inclusion of Thailand in the F1 calendar, following optimistic discussions initiated last month by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Interest in establishing a Grand Prix in Bangkok has existed for some time, with previous efforts by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who attended the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix to engage in preliminary discussions. Albon’s involvement is particularly significant as he represents Thailand in Formula 1, further solidifying national support for the initiative.
Thailand’s ambitions to join the F1 calendar coincide with the series’ interest in expanding its geographical reach. Domenicali indicated that numerous venues worldwide, including Argentina and regions in Africa, are vying for race slots, intensifying competition among countries eager to host events in the packed 24-race schedule.
Domenicali acknowledged in an interview that there are several global interests in F1’s future, mentioning, “There is a potential interest from the government to develop something there,” referencing potential opportunities in Bangkok. Meanwhile, McLaren CEO Zak Brown raised the prospect of implementing rotational races within the calendar to accommodate new venues while maintaining the current limit of 24 races.
The Belgian Grand Prix has already established a rotational agreement with F1, ensuring a presence until 2031, albeit with gaps in the schedule. This indicates a possible framework for integrating new venues without extending the race count beyond the current limits.
In summary, the prospects for a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Thailand are gaining momentum, bolstered by Alex Albon’s recent meeting with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. As the interest in hosting new races expands globally, Thailand joins other nations seeking a spot on the F1 calendar. Effective dialogue and strategic agreements may pave the way for Thailand’s inclusion in future F1 events, reflecting the country’s commitment and enthusiasm for motorsport.
Original Source: www.motorsport.com
