Alex Albon supports the idea of an F1 Grand Prix in Thailand
After Australia, Stefano Domenicali met officials in Bangkok to discuss a Grand Prix on the streets of the Thai capital. Alex Albon is enthusiastic about the project, but it could pose a serious challenge to the drivers... and to Singapore.
What if Formula 1 came to Thailand? It’s a project that particularly excites Alex Albon, the only Thai driver currently on the F1 grid. « First, I try to follow Stefano and ask him [about the possibility of a race in his country], » Albon told the media. « It’s very exciting, clearly. For all of Formula 1, not just for me. »
The idea of seeing Formula 1 cars racing through the heart of the Thai capital is a dream that’s been brought up many times over the years. This time, though, it seems more concrete, and Albon is determined to play the role of ambassador.
A Singapore 2.0?
But hold on—organizing a race in Thailand isn’t as easy as dropping a circuit in the middle of Bangkok. The first challenge? The weather. With extreme heat and humidity year-round, drivers could be in for a real nightmare on track. « It’ll be interesting with the heat, it’s an area that could make it a Singapore 2.0, » Albon warns.
And he knows what he’s talking about! The Singapore Grand Prix is already known as one of the most physically demanding on the calendar. Some drivers lose several kilos in just one race due to the extreme conditions. For Albon, Thailand wouldn’t just be a physical challenge, but also a unique opportunity for F1 to explore a new culture. « Thailand is an amazing country, and I’m sure people who’ve been to Thailand would agree, » he says.
And he doesn’t stop there! He wants his paddock colleagues to discover the local specialties. « I’d really like, one day, to show my teammates the culture of Thailand, the food. »
A threat to Singapore?
While Albon is fully behind the project, there are concerns over in Singapore. Another Grand Prix in the region, on a street circuit and in similar conditions, could create overlap and potentially threaten the current event.
Singapore has been a legendary F1 venue since 2008 and offers a unique nighttime spectacle. But with another potentially spectacular track in Thailand, could F1 really accommodate two such demanding Grand Prix so close together?
Albon, for his part, has no doubt: he wants a home Grand Prix and will do everything he can to make it happen. « I’m doing everything I can to make it happen. But let’s see, » he concludes.
