Why Thailand Could Be the Next Exotic Destination for Formula 1 Racing
Formula 1 may soon be venturing to another exciting and exotic location: Thailand. The country's ambition to enter the F1 fold is becoming more tangible as Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, recently met with F1's CEO, Stefano Domenicali, at Imola.
Thavisin was in attendance at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Italy. His visit was part of a strategic move to bring a Formula 1 race to the vibrant streets of Bangkok. Reports indicate that Thavisin is keen to involve Red Bull in the project, aiming for a first race in either 2027 or 2028. Red Bull’s involvement makes perfect sense given that Chalerm Yoovidhya, who holds a majority stake in the company, is of Thai nationality.
On social media, Thavisin emphasized the government's commitment to this ambitious project. He highlighted a policy to promote Thailand on the global stage, making it a hub for international events and activities. This endorsement resonates well with F1's continued global expansion strategy.
The Timing and Context
Formula 1 has successfully broadened its audience by venturing into new regions like the United States and the Middle East, making a potential Thai Grand Prix a logical next step. During his visit to Imola, Thavisin discussed the Thai bid with Domenicali again, following an initial meeting in April. The fact that both meetings were fruitful suggests that Thailand's bid is grounded in well-laid plans.
Thailand isn’t alone in Asia with aspirations of hosting an F1 race. South Korea's city of Incheon has also thrown its hat in the ring, penning an official letter of intent for a street-based Grand Prix. The competition among Asian countries to host the prestigious event is heating up.
Implications for the Current Calendar
Under the current Concorde Agreement, the F1 calendar is capped at 25 races, with the current level at a record 24. Therefore, introducing a Thai GP would likely necessitate dropping an existing race. Several European circuits have contracts nearing expiration, including Imola, which runs through 2025, and Barcelona, set to expire in 2026. Additionally, a new Madrid-based Spanish GP is slated to start in 2026, adding further complexity to the scheduling puzzle.
Domenicali has hinted that European races could be rotated to accommodate new entries from emerging markets. “2026 is a year where there will be a lot of Grands Prix, mainly in Europe, where we have different options that we can take,” he stated in February. “It is clear that if you see the development of our regionalization of the calendar, we have moved out from being European-centric to a very worldwide development, that needs to be kept into the future.”
Prospects and Challenges
While the idea of a Grand Prix in Thailand is tantalizing, several challenges remain. Logistical considerations, including establishing a proper infrastructure to support the event, will require significant resources and planning. Bangkok, known for its bustling streets and rich culture, would offer a unique backdrop for the race, potentially drawing in large audiences both locally and internationally.
If successful, a Thai GP could enhance F1’s fan base in Asia and offer exciting new stories for the sport. The move aligns with Formula 1's broader goals of expanding its footprint and making the sport more globally inclusive.
In summary, Thailand’s aspiration to host a Formula 1 race is more than just wishful thinking. With government backing, potential corporate partnerships, and strategic meetings already taking place, the dream of a Thai Grand Prix might soon become a thrilling reality.