Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One, is set to meet with Thai officials to discuss the possibility of a Formula 1 race in Bangkok, reflecting Thailand’s long-standing interest in the event. The F1 calendar has expanded to 24 races, prompting discussions about rotational events to accommodate new venues and growing global interest.
Thailand is increasingly showing interest in hosting a Formula 1 grand prix, with ongoing discussions expected to continue next week. Following the Australian Grand Prix, Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One Group, plans to visit Bangkok to engage in talks regarding this potential race.
The current F1 calendar boasts its largest lineup yet, featuring 24 races planned for the 2025 season. The growing interest in F1 has prompted several prospective new venues to seek inclusion in future lineups.
Madrid’s Madring will join next year’s circuit, while Belgium has signed an agreement for a rotational hosting arrangement, allowing flexibility for new tracks. Recently announced, Domenicali will remain president and CEO of Formula One Management for at least five additional years, focusing on expanding F1’s global reach.
“I think that 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,” said Domenicali. His upcoming visit to Bangkok follows a meeting last year, where Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin attended the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and expressed governmental interest in F1.
In a tweet, Thavisin stated, “In line with the Thai Government’s intention to bring F1 racing to Thailand in the near future… I had a discussion with executives of the Formula One Group.” This initiative aims to elevate Thailand’s standing on the international stage for significant events.
Additionally, Rwanda has expressed aspirations to revitalize F1 in Africa, though there are allegations from the Democratic Republic of Congo opposing this amid regional conflicts. Domenicali previously indicated Argentina’s potential return to the F1 calendar since its last race in 1998.
With the new season starting in Australia, McLaren’s CEO Zak Brown discussed the idea of rotational races, believing that the calendar hasn’t peaked at 24 events. Brown suggested a model of 20 fixed races paired with 8 rotating races every other year, allowing growth while managing the demanding schedule.
Thailand is actively pursuing the opportunity to host a Formula 1 race, with essential discussions led by Domenicali. The current F1 calendar already accommodates 24 races, prompting considerations for rotational races to expand audience reach without overextending teams. Broader global ambitions include potential events in Africa and Argentina. Overall, the interest from various regions demonstrates the growing appeal of Formula 1 worldwide.
Original Source: au.motorsport.com
