Stefano Domenicali Engages in Talks for Potential F1 Race in Thailand

Formula 1 is in talks to establish a race in Thailand, with CEO Stefano Domenicali meeting Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in Bangkok. The interest in expanding F1’s global footprint is evident, supported by Thailand’s government efforts and innovations such as rotational race hosting agreements. Additionally, the F1 calendar is set to remain packed, with potential new venues and markets in Africa and South America being explored.

The potential for Thailand to host a Formula 1 race is advancing as CEO Stefano Domenicali plans discussions in Bangkok post the Australian Grand Prix. Thailand has long expressed interest in becoming an F1 venue, and ongoing dialogues aim to establish a Grand Prix in the capital city. The F1 calendar is already set for a record 24 races in the 2025 season, reflecting a growing global interest in the sport.

In a strategic move, the Belgian Grand Prix recently became the first to agree on a rotational race hosting arrangement, which could create opportunities for new venues. Stefano Domenicali, reaffirmed in his role as CEO for another five years, highlighted that expanding F1 into new markets is a critical goal for the future. “We receive a lot of attention from other places in the world,” he remarked, emphasizing potential developments in Bangkok and other global locations such as Africa and South America.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s engagement in F1 discussions marks progress towards an F1 race in Thailand, with his visit to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix showcasing governmental interest. He stated, “This resonates with our policy to place Thailand on the global radar for international events and activities.” This indicates a commitment to elevate Thailand’s profile through world-class sporting events.

Other regions, such as Rwanda, are also exploring Formula 1 opportunities in Africa, despite calls against hosting due to regional conflicts. Additionally, the concept of returning the F1 calendar to Argentina has been suggested, indicating global interest from various countries. As for the current calendar structure, McLaren CEO Zak Brown suggested that while the race count might be capped at 24, implementing rotational races could enhance global reach without increasing the current number of races.

In conclusion, the discussions led by Stefano Domenicali regarding a potential Formula 1 race in Thailand represent a significant step towards global expansion of the sport. With ongoing interest from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the strategic vision of increasing F1’s global footprint, Thailand’s aspiration of hosting a Grand Prix could soon materialize. Furthermore, the idea of rotational races may also provide avenues for future host destinations, ensuring sustained growth for Formula 1.

Original Source: au.motorsport.com