Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali made headlines on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, during his visit to Thailand to discuss plans for the inaugural Grand Prix on the streets of Bangkok. The meeting, held shortly after the season opener in Australia, marked significant progress for Thailand's ambitions to host its first-ever Formula 1 race.
Domenicali met with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her team to discuss the detailed plans required to bring the world-famous motorsport event to theAsian nation. "I was delighted to meet with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand, and her team today to discuss their impressive plans to host a race in Bangkok," Domenicali expressed, showing enthusiasm for the discussions and the potential of motorsport to thrive within Thailand.
Since Liberty Media took over ownership of Formula 1, the sport has seen soaring popularity, prompting several nations to express interest in being added to the already packed calendar containing 24 races. The recent departure of the Dutch Grand Prix after 2026, combined with the addition of Belgium to the rotation system, means opportunities for new races are becoming available.
Talks concerning the potential race have intensified over the past few months, with Thailand targeting to host the event on a temporary street circuit rather than at a purpose-built venue. Interestingly, Bangkok previously hosted the MotoGP's inaugural season launch back in February, drawing parallels to Formula 1’s event at London’s O2 Arena.
While Thailand currently has no existing Formula 1 event, the nation has witnessed its fair share of involvement at various racing levels, including representation by Williams driver Alex Albon. Albon, who has Thai heritage through his mother, has openly expressed his desire for Thailand to host its own F1 race. He remarked, "Motorsport in Thailand isn't actually big. It's improving, and last year made a big step forward. Hopefully we can have a race there. That would be my dream." Albon's connection to Thailand could serve as something of a catalyst for local support and interest.
Historically, Thailand has seen little representation at the highest levels of motorsport, with the only other notable driver being Prince Bira. Competing from 1950 to 1954, Bira participated in 19 races, achieving fourth-place finishes on two occasions and winning two non-championship races. For 47 years, he remained the only Southeast Asian driver to race at the Formula 1 level, significantly helping to grow interest and passion for motorsport back home.
Nonetheless, past attempts to establish racing events have faced challenges. Countries like South Korea and India, as well as Vietnam, which had plans for its own F1 Grand Prix, found their ventures faltering due to economic or political hurdles. Looking at the situation, the successful establishment of the Bangkok race could alter perceptions of motorsport events' viability across Asia.
Locally, the motorsport community is energized by the possibility of Formula 1 coming to their country. Although it isn’t widely regarded as a motorsport hotspot, improvements and growing interest may reshape the dynamics of racing culture within Thailand. The future could shine particularly bright should the conversations between Domenicali and the Thai government yield fruitful results.
Thailand's current MotoGP event at the Chang International Circuit has become a popular annual occurrence, but there are concerns about its future. There are reports indicating the contract with Dorna, owners of MotoGP, may not be renewed post-2026; circuit chairman Newin Chidchob noted discussions around this. Should no agreement be found, this situation may simultaneously hinder and shape Formula 1’s chances of success upon debuting on Thai soil.
Domenicali expressed excitement about the cooperation from the Thai government and emphasized the importance of the partnership moving forward. "I am looking forward to continuing our discussions in the weeks and months ahead," he added, which indicates optimism about the possibilities.
Motorsport enthusiasts and casual fans alike will certainly be watching these developments with interest, as the entry of Formula 1 could usher in new fans, local investment, and potential economic benefits to neighbouring areas and the nation as a whole. If implemented successfully, the Bangkok Grand Prix could mark Thailand's significant leap forward on the international motorsport stage.
