F1 Race in Thailand Advances as Domenicali Prepares for Bangkok Talks

Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One Group, will visit Thailand to discuss potential Formula 1 racing prospects in Bangkok. The interest from Thailand’s government reflects a broader ambition to expand the F1 calendar, which is currently filled with 24 races for the upcoming season. Proposals for rotational races have been discussed to accommodate increased global interest in the sport and enable entry into additional markets.

Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali is poised to visit Thailand for discussions regarding the introduction of a Formula 1 grand prix in Bangkok. This visit follows a growing interest within Thailand to host a race. With the F1 calendar set for 24 races in 2025, the demand for new locations has prompted discussions involving potential expansion into new markets.

Recent trends show that several countries are eager to join the F1 lineup, including Madrid and Belgium, where the latter has signed agreements for rotational hosting. Domenicali’s contract extension as president and CEO of Formula One Management for another five years emphasizes his commitment to expanding F1 into diverse global markets.

In a recent statement to Sky Sports F1, Domenicali indicated that the focus has shifted towards regions that signify the future for Formula 1. He remarked on the increasing global interest from various nations, particularly mentioning Thailand’s government interest in developing a race. This follows an earlier visit by Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, where productive discussions were initiated.

Thavisin expressed this interest in a statement, relating it to the Thai Government’s strategy to position Thailand on the international stage through prestigious events like Formula 1. Besides Thailand, there are also growing ambitions in Africa and South America to bring F1 to these regions, with Rwanda recently expressing aspirations for a grand prix.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown commented on the current F1 schedule and suggested that while the calendar reaches its limits, the inclusion of rotational races could facilitate the expansion into new markets. He proposed maintaining a stable number of core races while rotating additional venues, allowing the sport to flourish without overwhelming the teams and participants.

The potential introduction of a Formula 1 race in Thailand reflects a strategic interest in expanding the sport’s global footprint. Stefano Domenicali’s upcoming discussions in Bangkok signify significant opportunities for Thailand on the F1 stage. However, balancing the race calendar remains crucial, as highlighted by McLaren’s CEO, who suggests a rotational approach could be the key to accommodating new markets while preserving a manageable schedule.

Original Source: au.motorsport.com