The 2025 Formula 1 season has officially kicked off with a spectacular race in Australia, where Lando Norris of McLaren clinched the victory, edging out Max Verstappen from Red Bull and George Russell of Mercedes. However, amidst the adrenaline of the race, discussions about the future of Formula 1 have taken center stage. One major topic is the potential addition of a Grand Prix in Bangkok, Thailand, which could be a groundbreaking development for the sport.
On March 18, 2025, Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to explore the possibility of hosting a Grand Prix in Bangkok in the coming years. Domenicali expressed his enthusiasm on social media, stating, "I was pleased to meet with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand, and her team to discuss their impressive project to host a race in Bangkok. I look forward to continuing discussions in the weeks and months to come." These discussions indicate a serious commitment from both parties to bring Formula 1 racing to Thailand, which already hosts the MotoGP.
The inclusion of a Bangkok Grand Prix could significantly impact the current schedule, which features 24 races for the 2025 season. If Thailand joins the race calendar, it would likely mean the displacement of an existing race. As the sport looks to expand its global footprint, the addition of Southeast Asia, and particularly Thailand, would be a strategic move.
Thailand is no stranger to motorsport, having already demonstrated its capabilities by successfully hosting MotoGP events. The Thai government appears eager to leverage this experience by accepting the challenge of hosting a Formula 1 event. The race in Bangkok, if it materializes, would likely utilize a circuit in Buriram, known to host various racing events, making it an ideal choice for F1.
Domenicali's remarks reflect ongoing dialogues within Formula 1 about enhancing the sport's appeal and reach. With the Belgian Grand Prix expected to alternate years between 2027 and 2031, and the Netherlands Grand Prix facing replacement with a race in Madrid in 2026, the dynamics of the calendar are constantly shifting. These changes can significantly affect where drivers compete and the experience fans have at traditional races.
Moreover, Bangkok's potential inclusion in the calendar adds a layer of excitement for fans and stakeholders. It reflects a broader trend in motorsport to reach into new markets, attract diverse audiences, and capitalize on local enthusiasm for racing.
As Thailand positions itself to potentially host Formula 1, the country will aim to compete with established circuits across Europe and Asia. The Thai government, along with the tourism board, might also see this as an opportunity to boost tourism and international visibility, similar to successes seen in other Asian countries like Singapore.
In summary, the discussions led by Stefano Domenicali with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra could mark the beginning of a thrilling chapter for Formula 1 in Southeast Asia. With the premier of Thailand showing commitment to hosting such a prestigious event, fans and stakeholders are eager to see if this will materialize into a full-fledged Grand Prix in Bangkok.
