Progressing Plans for Formula 1 Race in Thailand as Domenicali Visits Bangkok
Formula 1’s plans to stage a grand prix in Thailand are progressing, with CEO Stefano Domenicali set to visit Bangkok for talks after the Australian GP. As the F1 calendar reaches a record number of races, countries are increasingly vying for hosting rights, indicating the sport’s expanding global reach. Additionally, discussions on rotational races could provide opportunities for new markets while balancing an already packed schedule.
Thailand has long expressed its aspiration to host a Formula 1 grand prix, and discussions continue to advance. Following the Australian Grand Prix, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali will travel to Bangkok to explore the potential for a race in the city. With a record 24 grands prix scheduled for the 2025 season, interest in hosting Formula 1 events has surged from various locations around the globe.
Recent developments include Madrid’s announcement of a new racing venue and Belgium’s completion of a deal to host races on a rotational basis. Domenicali has confirmed his role as president and CEO of Formula One Management for an additional five years, focusing on expanding the sport into new markets.
In an interview with Sky Sports F1, Domenicali stated, “I think that 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.” He highlighted Thailand’s interest as he aims to gauge governmental support for a potential street race in Bangkok.
Discussions pertaining to a Bangkok street race gained momentum when Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed intentions to promote F1 within the nation after his visit to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. He remarked on the significance of this initiative for elevating Thailand’s status on the global stage for international events.
Additionally, Rwanda is keen to reintroduce F1 to Africa, despite concerns surrounding regional conflict. Domenicali has also hinted at Argentina’s possible return to the F1 calendar, previously last hosted in 1998. With the 2025 Australian season opener approaching, McLaren CEO Zak Brown expressed his endorsement of rotational races despite believing the calendar has reached capacity at 24.
Brown remarked, “I would like to see…maybe have a fixed 20 races and eight that rotate every other year. That is a way to get into 28 markets but maintain a 24-race calendar because the calendar is very difficult on everybody but that is a way to continue to grow the sport.”
In summary, discussions regarding Thailand’s potential hosting of a Formula 1 grand prix are advancing, highlighted by CEO Stefano Domenicali’s upcoming talks in Bangkok. As F1 continues to expand into new territories, the appointments of Madrid and Belgium for race rotations exemplify the sport’s growing appeal. Additionally, increased interest from regions such as Africa and South America indicates promising prospects for F1’s global outreach, while maintaining a balanced race calendar remains a topic of ongoing debate.
Original Source: www.autosport.com
