Formula 1’s global ambitions took another vibrant on Tuesday, as CEO Stefano Domenicali touched down in Bangkok to meet Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Fresh off the Australian Grand Prix, Domenicali’s visit – sandwiched between Mebourne and next weekend’s round of racing in Shanghai – signals Thailand’s serious bid to join the sport’s sprawling 24-race calendar.
With the ex-Ferrari boss recently locked in as Grand Prix racing’s chief until 2029, expanding F1’s footprint is part of the Italian’s mission, and Thailand’s “impressive” street race vision has his attention.
The talks build on momentum sparked last year when then-Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pitched a Bangkok Grand Prix to Domenicali at Imola.
Now, with Shinawatra at the helm, the Southeast Asian nation is doubling down.
“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 said post-meeting.
“I am looking forward to continuing our discussions in the weeks and months ahead.”
A street circuit in the bustling capital could soon be on the map, blending F1’s high-octane drama with Thailand’s rich culture.
A Vision for F1’s Future
Domenicali’s Bangkok stopover is no whim – it’s part of a broader strategy.
“I think the good thing that we were able to do in the last couple of years is focus on the places that we do believe represent the future for Formula 1,” he told Sky Sports F1 in Melbourne.
“We receive a lot of attention from other places in the world. By the way, I’m just finishing the race here in Melbourne, I’m going to Bangkok – there is a potential interest from the government to develop something there.”
Thailand joins a queue of hopefuls, from Rwanda’s African dream – clouded by regional tensions – to Argentina’s nostalgic push and Europe’s old guard – possibly Germany – eyeing comebacks.
With the Dutch GP bowing out after 2026 and Belgium shifting to a rotational slot, calendar space is cracking open.
Thailand, already home to Williams’ Thai-born star Alex Albon, could leverage its MotoGP success in Buriram and Bangkok’s allure to seal the deal.
“We have other places in Europe, and as you know there are interests in Africa, there are interests in South America now,” concluded Domenicali.
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