Formula One president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali has met with Thailand’s prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to discuss a future street race in the country.
Confirmed:
- The Thai government will conduct a feasibility study to start racing by 2028
- If approved, the race will take place on the streets of Bangkok
Context:
In many ways, this represents a reset for discussions that were initially started by Paetongtarn’s predecessor Srettha Thavisin, who welcomed a similar visit from Domenicali last April before being dismissed from his premiership in August 2024.
Despite a 24-race schedule for 2025, Formula One only makes three visits to Southeast Asia with races in China, Japan and Singapore. The series has previously raced in the likes of Korea and Malaysia, but an event in Thailand would mean an increase in representation for the region. In addition, Thailand has existing links to Formula One through Williams driver Alex Albon and Red Bull, which is majority-owned by the Yoovidhya family.
Thailand already hosts a MotoGP race at the Buriram International Circuit. However, the Bangkok Post reported this month that the government will not extend its race contract after next year’s event in Thailand.
Comment:
‘We had the opportunity to discuss the opportunity of Thailand to host the Formula One race, which is a great sport with a worldwide following,’ Paetongtarn posted on X.
‘The government confirmed that it will study this joint investment, including the study of the race route, the investment budget, and the value for Thailand to receive from hosting the race.’
She added: ‘I believe that all Thai people will benefit from organising this event, whether it is large-scale infrastructure investment, job creation, new income generation, and importing new technologies and innovations. I am confident that this project will be successful. It is another important opportunity for the country to organise a world-class event.’
Domenicali said: “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. I am looking forward to continuing our discussions in the weeks and months ahead.”
Coming next:
Formula One will make its first visit to Asia of the 2025 season with this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, taking place from 21st to 23rd March.
Go deeper:
- Where is the next new F1 race going to happen?
- Breaking down F1’s sponsorship portfolio ahead of the 2025 season
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