Formula 1 Moves Closer to Bangkok Race with CEO’s Upcoming Talks

Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, is set to discuss the potential of hosting a Grand Prix in Bangkok, Thailand, after the Australian Grand Prix. Thailand’s interest in F1 has grown, and a street race has been actively proposed. The expansion of Formula 1 into new markets remains a priority for the sport’s leadership, with numerous countries showing interest.

Formula 1’s interest in entering the Thailand market is gaining momentum, with CEO Stefano Domenicali scheduled to visit Bangkok for discussions following the Australian Grand Prix. Thailand has consistently expressed interest in hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix, and these upcoming talks signal a serious approach to potentially structuring a race in Bangkok.

As the F1 calendar boasts a record of 24 races in the 2025 season, new venues are actively seeking inclusion. Madrid will enter the roster next year, while a rotational agreement for the Belgian Grand Prix paves the way for more tracks to emerge in future seasons. Recently, it was confirmed that Domenicali will extend his leadership of Formula One Management for an additional five years.

During his leadership, Domenicali has prioritized expanding F1 into new markets. He stated, “The good thing that we were able to do in the last couple of years is to focus on the places that we do believe represent the future for Formula 1.” Following the Australian Grand Prix, he will visit Bangkok due to the Thai government’s potential interest in hosting a Formula 1 event.

Conversations regarding a street race in Bangkok have been ongoing, becoming more tangible after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s visit to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix—where discussions with Domenicali occurred regarding Thailand’s potential role in F1. Thavisin expressed that this initiative aligns with Thailand’s strategy to elevate its profile on the global stage for international events.

Meanwhile, Rwanda has also announced plans to host an F1 race, aiming to reintegrate F1 into the African continent. Similar aspirations have been noted in Argentina, indicating a growing global appetite for Formula 1 events. McLaren CEO Zak Brown assessed the current state of the F1 calendar, suggesting a potential peak at 24 races, while proposing a rotational schedule to further enhance F1’s market reach.

In summary, the possibility of Thailand hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix is moving towards realization, with important discussions set to take place soon. The growing global interest in F1 presents opportunities for multiple new venues, while Domenicali’s leadership aims to expand the sport into promising markets. Thailand’s governmental support raises optimism for a future race, as other nations also express their intentions to welcome F1 to their regions.

Original Source: au.motorsport.com