Thailand on track for an F1 Grand Prix in 2028
The Thai government has confirmed its intention to integrate the Formula 1 World Championship calendar within four years, with a project for an urban race in Bangkok. A meeting with Stefano Domenicali in Monaco marks a significant step forward.
On the occasion of the Monaco Grand Prix, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, to discuss organizing a future Grand Prix in Bangkok. The Thai government, which has been actively pushing for several months to put the country on the F1 map, announced its intention to host a race as early as 2028.
« The Prime Minister met Stefano Domenicali at the Monaco Grand Prix to discuss a race in Thailand. He highlighted the 600 million F1 viewers worldwide and the potential for economic revitalization linked to tourism and infrastructure investments, said government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub.
A candidacy in progress
According to Thai authorities, an official bid proposal and a feasibility study will be submitted for government approval as soon as June 4. This project marks a decisive step, as it is the first time the country has announced a target date for its entry into the F1 calendar.
While Thailand has already been hosting a MotoGP race since 2018 in Buriram, the government would this time prefer an urban circuit in the streets of Bangkok. An option that aligns more with the modern standards of F1, which seeks spectacular destinations and emerging markets.
Geopolitical Context and International Competition
This Thai project is part of a global trend of rescheduling the F1 calendar. Southeast Asia, which has been underrepresented since Malaysia’s withdrawal in 2017 and the cancellation of the Vietnam GP in 2020, now only counts Singapore as a stop. Thailand would thus see it as a strategic opportunity.
In parallel, other regions of the world like Africa are also showing their interest. South Africa and Rwanda are actively campaigning, but without short-term guarantees according to Stefano Domenicali: « We need guarantees », he recently recalled. Conversely, Asia seems better positioned today to host new events.
The tourist and economic stakes
With over 35 million visitors recorded in 2024, Thailand is banking on the Formula 1 effect to further boost a tourism sector vital to its economy. By hosting a Grand Prix, the country hopes to attract investments, international sponsors, and enhance its visibility on a global scale.
« A big step forward », congratulated the Prime Minister on X (formerly Twitter), after sharing images of her meeting with Stefano Domenicali and the Thai driver Alexander Albon, the ideal ambassador for this national project.
The Puzzle of the 24 Races
However, a major unknown remains: the limit set by F1 to 24 Grand Prix per season. The addition of Bangkok would likely mean the removal or alternation of an existing event. Historic European circuits like Zandvoort or Spa-Francorchamps could fall victim to this expansion. The F1 promoter will therefore have to make strategic choices in the coming years.
