Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One Group, will visit Thailand to discuss the possibility of hosting a Grand Prix in Bangkok. Thailand’s interest in F1 is reinforced by government backing, aiming to place the country on the global stage for international events. The current F1 calendar is at a record 24 races, prompting discussion about rotational races to accommodate new markets without overwhelming teams.
Thailand’s aspiration to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix gains traction as Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula One Group, plans discussions in Bangkok following the Australian Grand Prix. Despite an already full schedule for the 2025 season, with 24 races, the increasing global interest in Formula 1 has prompted new venues to emerge. Notably, Madrid joins prospective hosts for next season, and the Belgian Grand Prix has signed an agreement for rotational hosting, permitting new tracks to enter the circuit.
Domenicali’s continuation as president and CEO of Formula One Management has been confirmed for another five years, with an emphasis on expanding F1’s reach to untapped markets. He remarked, “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,” highlighting growing global interest. He plans to explore potential developments in Bangkok, motivated by Thai governmental interest in hosting a race.
There have been discussions regarding a street race in Bangkok, notably sparked by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s visit to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, where he expressed his intentions for Thailand’s inclusion in international automobile racing. He stated the visit was in line with the Thai Government’s goal to promote the country as a venue for significant global events.
The African continent is also vying for F1 races, with Rwanda expressing ambitions to bring the series back, although concerns about regional conflicts have been raised by representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Meanwhile, Domenicali hinted at Argentina’s possible return to the calendar, having last participated in 1998.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has suggested that while the calendar may top out at 24 races, rotational races could help introduce new locations while maintaining existing numbers. He proposed a system of fixed races supplemented by rotating events to expand F1’s global footprint without overwhelming teams and drivers.
In summary, the possibility of Thailand hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix is gaining momentum, with Stefano Domenicali’s visit to Bangkok set to further advance discussions. With a record 24 races planned for the 2025 season, the series remains attractive to new locations, including Africa and Argentina. Domenicali’s leadership emphasizes exploring new markets while balancing the racing calendar sustainably.
Original Source: au.motorsport.com
