Thailand is one step closer to hosting a Formula 1 race. Over the past two years, plans have been in the works for a street circuit in Bangkok, and now the Thai government has officially approved a bid for its own Grand Prix. According to current plans, the capital is set to appear on the calendar for five years starting from 2028. A staggering $1.2 billion has been set aside for this collaboration.
On Tuesday, the Thai cabinet approved the bid during a meeting. At a press conference, Minister of Tourism Sorawong Thienthong announced the news; with an amount of $1.2 billion, they hope to bring Formula 1 back to Southeast Asia. Reportedly, a memorandum of understanding has already been signed. Earlier this season, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali visited Bangkok to discuss the possibilities. During this visit, he also met with Thai Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Last year, he did the same with then-president Srettha Thavisin. Not long after, Thavisin attended the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
Domenicali Emphasizes the Importance of New Markets
Domenicali has previously stressed that attracting new markets is a key objective. “I think we’ve done well in recent years to focus on locations that we believe represent the future of Formula 1,” he told Sky Sports. “We are naturally receiving a lot of interest from new destinations worldwide.” On social media, he shared his impressions of his visit to Bangkok: “I was delighted to meet the Prime Minister of Thailand and her team and discuss their impressive plans for a race in Bangkok. I look forward to continuing our conversations.”
Williams Driver Alex Albon Shares His Enthusiasm
Williams driver Alex Albon, who is of Thai descent, also held talks with the Thai Prime Minister. He too is enthusiastic about the plans. “Nothing is final yet, but it’s nice to see the commitment,” he said at the time. “They’re taking it very seriously, and I think they have a strong concept. Especially when you see how far they’ve already come with the plans. It looks promising, although I can’t say too much about it yet. I’m closely following the developments — let’s just leave it at that.”
Uncertainty Surrounds the Placement of a Thai GP on the Current Formula 1 Calendar
It remains to be seen how and where a Thai GP would fit into the current Formula 1 calendar. According to Domenicali, a maximum of 24 races per season is possible, although the current regulations still allow for one additional Grand Prix. As various European races will alternate on the calendar in the coming years, there seems to be room for a race in Bangkok regardless.
