Thailand, important step towards Formula 1 »The government has approved an offer of $ 1.2 billion for a street race starting with 2028
Article by Luminița Paul – published Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 15:55 / Updated Wednesday, June 18, 2025 15:56
The place of Thailand in the Calendar of Formula 1 is closer to validation after the country's government has approved an offer of $ 1.2 billion to host a street race in the Thai capital, Bangkok, since 2028.
Thailand took another step closer to bringing a Grand Prix of Formula 1 on the streets of Bangkok, after his government approved an offer during a meeting on June 17.
The plan would provide that Formula 1 would receive Thailand in its calendar starting with 2028, based on an initial five -year contract, 1.2 billion dollars now being accepted to be set aside for the offer.
The news was announced during a press conference in which the Minister of Tourism, Sorawong Thienthong, mentioned the 11 -digit amount that was approved – which means that a race in Thailand seems more likely than ever.
Meetings with Thailand's Prime Minister
Early this season, CEO F1, Stefano Domenicalivisited Bangkok to discuss the potential of the race in Thailand's capital, while the Thai pilot of Willams, Alex Albonlater spent time with the prime minister.
Following the footsteps of Domenicali, Albon had discussions with Paetongtarn Shinawatra before going to the big April big prize and was impressed by what he saw from current projects.
Stefano Domenicali, CEO F1, and Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, in a December 2024 meeting: F1
“Things advance, obviously, nothing is completed, but it is very good to see the commitment and seriousness of Thailand,” Albon said at the time of his visit.
Alex Albon: “It looks good, I don't think I can say more”
“I take things very seriously. And I think they have a very strong product. If you see the projects … If you see how serious they are … I saw a generic look at what they are trying to do. And yes, it looks good, I don't think I can say more. So I would rather not say anything about it but I follow a lot of interesting issues', added Alex Albon
Thai officials are eager to organize a F1 race, given the revenues that come from organizing a world championship. There are sources that have informed that the government has a memorandum of understanding with F1.
It remains to be seen how and where the Thailand's great prize would fit into the current Calendar of F1, which already includes 24 racesa number that the domestic has suggested that they do not want to be exceeded, although there is space for another big prize in the current regulation.
However, considering that in the coming years there will be several European stages through rotation, there is a free place for the Bangkok race.
