In a move signaling potential growth for the sport, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali visited Thailand recently to discuss the possibility of introducing a Grand Prix in the capital city of Bangkok. This meeting took place just prior to the opening weekend of the 2025 Formula 1 season at the Australian Grand Prix.
Domenicali, whose contract with Formula 1 was recently extended through the end of 2029, met with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to delve into the impressive plans for potentially hosting a race in Bangkok. "I was very pleased to meet with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her team to discuss their impressive plans for hosting a race in Bangkok," stated Domenicali following the discussions.
The interest in Thailand aligns with the ongoing discussions regarding changes to the Formula 1 calendar, particularly as the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort is set to be removed after the 2026 season and the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps will alternate with other races, creating opportunities for new venues.
Speaking with Sky Sports during the season opener in Melbourne on March 16, 2025, Domenicali emphasized the growing appeal of potential new locations. "The good thing that we've been able to do over the past few years is focus on the places that we believe represent the future of Formula 1. We receive a lot of attention from other parts of the world. After the race here in Melbourne, I'm going to Bangkok to see if there's interest to develop something there."
Potential for a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Thailand has been a subject of speculation for months. There is a particular focus on the Chatuchak district, renowned for housing the country's largest market and located about halfway between the city center and the international airport. This area has emerged as a candidate for hosting the event and could be part of the Formula 1 calendar as early as 2027.
The possibilities hinge on the outcomes of ongoing negotiations, as the south-east Asian nation seeks to become a new destination for Formula 1 racing. As contracts with circuits in Austin and Baku are also due to expire in 2026, talks with Thailand might gain momentum in the coming months.
While Thailand has not hosted a Formula 1 event before, recent trends in the region show a growing interest in such spectacles. Since 2008, the Grand Prix of Singapore has continued to draw crowds in Southeast Asia, while Malaysia hosted races from 1999 to 2017. The region’s motorsport scene is on the rise, and Thailand is poised to become a part of that evolution.
On the personnel front, Thailand's representation in Formula 1 is noteworthy. Williams driver Alex Albon, who has Thai heritage, has become a potential draw for fans in the region and might provide an additional incentive for hosting a Grand Prix in his home country. Furthermore, despite the long history of Thailand being without a Grand Prix, the involvement of personal stakeholders, like Red Bull’s Thai majority owners, indicates that interest in a home race could pique further local attraction.
While plans for a Thailand GP could impact other racing events in the country, such as MotoGP, the Chang International Circuit operators in Buriram recently announced they would not extend their contract that runs out in 2026. This leaves a gap within the motorsports calendar, potentially creating space for Formula 1.
The discussions around Thailand are part of a broader interest from other nations as well, with South Africa and Rwanda also aspiring to host a Formula 1 race. South Korea, which last held a Grand Prix in 2013, is also reportedly working on its return to the Formula 1 calendar, indicating heightened competition among countries to secure a prestigious slot.
As the negotiations proceed, the expectation is that they could stretch on for weeks and months, giving all parties time to finalize their commitments and prepare for a potential announcement that would change the face of motorsport in Thailand. While the future of a Grand Prix in Thailand remains uncertain, the discussions sparked by Domenicali's visit exhibit a promising horizon for Formula 1 in the region.
