Formula 1 Negotiates Potential Grand Prix in Thailand Following CEO’s Visit
Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One Group, is headed to Bangkok for discussions about hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Thailand, capitalizing on the nation’s longstanding interest in the sport. The 2025 F1 calendar is at its highest capacity, yet many regions are vying for inclusion, indicating a potential future expansion into new international markets.
Thailand has long been interested in hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix, and recent discussions are set to continue. Following the Australian Grand Prix, Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One Group, will visit Bangkok to engage in talks regarding a potential race in the capital city.
The current Formula 1 calendar is the busiest ever, with 24 Grands Prix planned for the 2025 season. The increasing popularity of the sport has attracted several new regions willing to host future races. Among them, Madrid’s Madring is expected to be included next season, and the Belgian Grand Prix has decided to hold races on a rotational basis, which may open opportunities for additional tracks.
Domenicali’s recent appointment as president and CEO for an additional five years emphasizes a commitment to expanding F1 into new markets. “We receive a lot of attention from other places in the world… there is a potential interest from the government to develop something there,” he stated, referring to his upcoming discussions in Bangkok.
The idea of a street race in Bangkok has been suggested for some time, gaining momentum last year when Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and discussed the potential of F1 in Thailand. He noted that this endeavor aligns with the government’s aim to elevate Thailand’s profile in global sporting events.
Meanwhile, other regions are also vying for F1 races. Rwanda has expressed its desire to host F1 events amidst ongoing conflicts, raising concerns about the suitability of the location. Additionally, Domenicali hinted at a future return for Argentina, which last hosted a race in 1998.
As the 2025 season approaches, McLaren CEO Zak Brown commented on the possibility of rotating races and highlighted the calendar’s limits. While he acknowledged that the current schedule may seem peaked at 24 races, he suggested having a core set of races with additional rotating events could allow the sport to flourish across more markets without overextending the teams and personnel involved.
In summary, the prospect of a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Thailand is growing closer, particularly with the involvement of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and discussions led by Stefano Domenicali. The F1 calendar remains saturated, and the push towards international expansion highlights the sport’s increasing global appeal. Ongoing conversations suggest that new locations are actively pursuing F1 races, signaling a dynamic future for the series.
Original Source: au.motorsport.com
