Formula 1 is in talks to establish a Grand Prix in Thailand, with CEO Stefano Domenicali meeting Thai officials to discuss potential race plans. The 2025 F1 season will feature 24 races, and interest in new locations continues to grow despite existing capacity challenges. Rotational racing agreements may be a solution to accommodate future expansions.
Thailand is actively pursuing the opportunity to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, with discussions set to continue next week. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is scheduled to visit Bangkok following the Australian Grand Prix to explore the government’s interest in establishing a race there. Notably, the 2025 F1 calendar is slated to feature 24 races, indicating a growing global interest in the series.
The recent uptick in interest for hosting F1 races includes Madrid’s newly proposed track, and Belgium has secured an agreement to host races on a rotational basis. Domenicali, who will continue as Formula One Management’s president and CEO for at least the next five years, aims to prioritize bringing F1 to new markets during his extended term.
Domenicali indicated that F1’s focus will remain on regions that represent future potential for the series. He highlighted that markets in Africa and South America are also drawing interest. “We receive a lot of attention from other places in the world… I go to Bangkok to see if there is a potential interest from the government to develop something there,” he remarked.
Potential plans for a street race in Bangkok gained momentum after conversations between Thailand’s prime minister and Domenicali last year. The prime minister emphasized the government’s commitment to promote Thailand as a destination for international events, likening it to initiatives taken during a visit to an F1 track in Italy.
In Africa, Rwanda has ambitions to reintroduce F1, despite objections linked to ongoing conflict in the region. Additionally, Domenicali hinted at a possible return of Argentina to the F1 calendar, given its last hosting in 1998. As the 2025 season opener approaches, discussions around race rotations are increasingly prevalent in the F1 community.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown expressed support for rotational races but suggested that the current calendar, with its 24 races, might be at capacity. He proposed an innovative approach where 20 races are fixed, while eight alternate every other year, as a way to broaden F1’s market presence without overwhelming the operational capabilities of the series.
In summary, Formula 1 is advancing plans for a potential race in Thailand as discussions between Domenicali and the Thai government progress. With the F1 calendar continuing to expand, Domenicali’s leadership will focus on introducing the series to new markets globally. The innovative ideas for rotational races may provide additional opportunities while maintaining a sustainable race schedule.
Original Source: www.autosport.com
