Progress in F1 Thailand Race Plans as Domenicali Engages in Talks in Bangkok

Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, will visit Thailand to discuss the possibility of hosting a grand prix in Bangkok. The ongoing growth of Formula 1 has led to an interest in adding new venues, with Thailand aiming to elevate its global profile in motorsport. The 2025 F1 calendar is to feature 24 races, presenting challenges and opportunities for expansion.

Thailand has expressed a sustained interest in hosting a Formula 1 grand prix, with discussions expected to advance next week. Formula 1’s CEO, Stefano Domenicali, is scheduled to visit Thailand following the Australian Grand Prix to explore the potential for a race in Bangkok. The 2025 season is set to feature a record 24 grands prix, reflecting the heightened global interest in the racing series.

Several locations, including the Madriñ in Madrid, have emerged as candidates for future races. Notably, the Belgian Grand Prix has signed an agreement to participate in rotations, allowing other venues a chance to join the calendar. On Wednesday, it was confirmed that Domenicali would extend his role as president and CEO of Formula One Management for at least five more years, having assumed the position in 2021.

Domenicali’s upcoming term will prioritize introducing Formula 1 to new markets. He stated, “I think that the good thing that we were able to do in the last couple of years is to focus on the places that we do believe represent the future for Formula 1,” as reported by Sky Sports F1. Following the Melbourne race, his visit to Bangkok aims to evaluate governmental interest in launching Formula 1 events.

There has been ongoing discussion regarding a street race in Bangkok, particularly after Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin attended the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and confirmed prior discussions with Domenicali. Thavisin noted that this initiative aligns with Thailand’s aspiration to enhance its international profile in the sporting arena.

Additionally, other regions are also vying for a position on the calendar. Rwanda has demonstrated ambitions to reintegrate F1 into Africa, despite some opposition amid regional conflicts. Domenicali has hinted at Argentina’s potential return to the F1 calendar, where it last held a race in 1998.

As the 2025 season opener in Australia approaches, McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown, acknowledged the merits of adding rotational races but expressed concerns about the current capacity of the 24-race calendar. Brown asserted, “I don’t think it has hit its peak, which is quite exciting,” suggesting that incorporating some races on a rotational basis could balance the schedule while expanding its reach.

In summary, the discussions surrounding a potential Formula 1 grand prix in Thailand are progressing positively, with key talks led by CEO Stefano Domenicali. The ongoing efforts to diversify the race calendar and introduce more rotational events illustrate the sport’s strategic expansion into emerging markets. As global interest rises, Thailand’s ambition to host an F1 race aligns with broader goals for international recognition, reflecting the dynamic evolution of the Formula 1 landscape.

Original Source: www.autosport.com