“F1 Teases Exciting New Grand Prix Location as Talks with Thailand Heat Up”….read more
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed ongoing talks about a potential new grand prix location, signaling that the sport is considering adding another race to its already extensive calendar. This comes at a time when F1’s increasing number of races has raised concerns over the schedule’s growing length, especially with the sport’s agreement with teams capping the number of events at 25 per season.
In recent years, F1 has expanded its global footprint, adding three races in the United States alone, with Las Vegas making its debut in 2023. Classic circuits like Belgium’s Spa have entered into a rotational arrangement with F1 until 2031 to accommodate the growing demand for races. Despite these challenges, there is a strong push to further widen F1’s reach, with Africa being a key target, and countries like South Africa and Rwanda reportedly in the mix.
One of the latest contenders for a race on the F1 calendar is Thailand. Domenicali’s visit to Bangkok, ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, has sparked rumors about a possible street race in the Thai capital. His visit came after former Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin attended the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, fueling speculation about the country’s interest in hosting a grand prix. During his time in Thailand, Domenicali met with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the country’s current leader and daughter of former Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra. This meeting was documented by F1 Media’s X account, where Domenicali confirmed that discussions for a Bangkok race are indeed underway.
“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 shared. He also expressed his eagerness to continue the discussions in the coming months, signaling that the wheels are in motion for what could be a significant new addition to the F1 calendar.
While the details of the proposed race are still under wraps, Thailand’s growing interest in hosting a grand prix could bring an exciting new destination to the sport’s international roster, marking yet another milestone in Formula 1’s global expansion. As talks continue, F1 fans may soon be looking forward to the prospect of a high-speed showdown on the streets of Bangkok.
