Formula 1 Rumor: Thailand pushes hard to land F1 race (8th Update)
Thailand will soon join the ranks of countries hosting Formula One (F1) races, with plans accelerating for a Grand Prix in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district by 2028.
A deal has already been set in motion. The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with F1, following a high-profile visit by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, who recently met with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to discuss the project.
Dr Kongsak Yodmanee, SAT Governor, confirmed the MOU during a press briefing and revealed that Chatuchak is currently the frontrunner for the race venue.
“I think the goal now is Chatuchak first. If nothing goes wrong, it will be an important step in working together between Thailand and F1 to assess the readiness of the stadium and everything else. We still have other options in mind in case Chatuchak doesn’t work out.”
F1 officials have reportedly expressed enthusiasm over the Chatuchak concept, suggesting it could become one of the “most interesting races in the world” if successfully executed.
But organizers stress that public support is crucial.
“The most important preparation is understanding the community – the people who will be affected. F1 and I agree that the event must benefit all sectors, especially those living in the area. We’re committed to minimizing environmental and noise impacts and ensuring locals are informed, compensated and involved.”
March 19, 2025
This story is no longer just a rumor. Thailand expects to start hosting the Formula 1 race from 2028, marking a key milestone for the South-east Asian nation’s bid to position itself as a venue for world-class events, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
The government will study the investment requirement, economic benefits to Thailand and the possibility of holding the competition in a street circuit, Ms Paetongtarn said in a post on social media platform X after a meeting with F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali in Bangkok on March 18.
“We had the opportunity to discuss the opportunity of Thailand to host the Formula 1 race, which is a great sport with a worldwide following,” the Thai Prime Minister posted on X after the meeting with Domenicali at Government House.
“The government confirmed that it will study this joint investment, including the study of the race route, the investment budget, and the value for Thailand to receive from hosting the race.”
Paetongtarn said she thought hosting a race would be an opportunity to upgrade Bangkok’s infrastructure — the city’s roads are notoriously clogged — and attract more tourists from abroad, particularly visitors in the “high-end” market.
“I believe that all Thai people will benefit from organizing this event, whether it is large-scale infrastructure investment, job creation, new income generation, and importing new technologies and innovations,” she added. “I am confident that this project will be successful. It is another important opportunity for the country to organize a world-class event.”
Formula 1 chief executive Domenicali also posted a statement on X, describing the plans for a Bangkok race as “impressive.”
“I am looking forward to continuing our discussions in the weeks and months ahead,” the Italian added.
There was a project a year ago when Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin (see below) visited the F1 race in Imola but within months Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruled that he should be removed from office and Paetongtarn Shinawatra was named as his replacement.
Red Bull is Thai and Alex Albon is doing well in his Williams. Two good reasons to race in Thailand. We hear it could be a night race. Given the heat and humidity in Thailand, that would be a good idea.
March 18, 2025
Domenicali travelled to Thailand after the season-opening Australian Grand Prix to discuss plans with the nation’s prime minister.
“I was delighted to meet with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the prime minister of Thailand, and her team today to discuss their impressive plans to host a race in Bangkok,” he said.
“I am looking forward to continuing our discussions in the weeks and months ahead.”
March 16, 2025
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has revealed he will visit Thailand after the Australian Grand Prix for talks over a potential race in Bangkok.
Domenicali says the interest he receives from hopeful promoters around the world show that F1 is at a high point in popularity and health.
“We have other places in Europe, and as you know there are interests in Africa, there are interests in South America now,” he said.
The Italian has also done a good job of cementing many of the new races to lucrative deals that run for the long-term.
“This allows them to invest, improve the facilities, and increase the quality of entertainment we have to offer our fans,” said Domenicali.
“We’re receiving a lot of attention from everywhere.”
March 12, 2025
Thailand has hosted MotoGP races at the Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram for the past seven years, but the contract with Dorna Sports, the event organizer, is set to expire next year, creating uncertainty about whether F1 will usurp it.
Newin Chidchob, president of the Chang International Circuit, recently criticized the government for prioritizing Formula One over MotoGP, arguing that local demand for motorcycle racing was far greater.
Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, however, maintained that both events could coexist. “The government realizes that the MotoGP races benefit the country, but one should not compare it with events like Formula One in terms of profits,” he said, as quoted by The Nation. “It would be ideal if Thailand could host both events, and we certainly are ready to do so.”
The idea of hosting a Formula One race in Thailand has been years in the making. Last year, then-prime minister Srettha Thavisin pitched the concept as a way to boost tourism and elevate Thailand’s global profile.
His successor, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has since carried the torch, with state agencies reportedly evaluating potential routes and logistical challenges for a Bangkok Grand Prix.
One proposal has zeroed in on the Chatuchak area of the capital as a potential race route, according to reports. SCMP.com
Editor’s Note: Why go through the expense of disrupting a busy city district when the Chang International Circuit was designed for F1 by Herman Tilke and stands ready to host an F1 race? Why, because it is not in a major city like Bangkok, but in Buriram – a 5-hour drive from Bangkok
January 20, 2025
The Government of Thailand revealed ambitions to host a prestigious Formula 1 race right in the heart of Bangkok by 2027. The plan? To transform the bustling Vibhavadi Rangsit Road (pictured above) into a high-speed circuit, as mentioned by Kongsak Yodmanee, governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand.
The ambitious 3.6-mile circuit would weave through three of the district’s scenic parks, offering a unique backdrop to the race.
January 19, 2025
According to the Bangkok Post, State agencies are studying the feasibility of hosting an F1 event in 2027 with a plan to hold it as a city street race along Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Bangkok, said Kongsak Yodmanee, governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand.
Five spots across the country have been proposed for the F1 event, which is designated as a megaproject to boost tourism and promote Thailand as a world-class destination.
If approved, Thailand would submit its bid to host the event, with a decision expected in January 2025. The government hopes to bring the event to the country in 2027. More at Bangkok Post
November 10, 2024
This rumor is upgraded to ‘strong’ today. Thursday, the Thailand government vowed to bring a Formula 1 (F1) racing event to Thailand to stimulate economic growth.
The government is actively pursuing discussions to secure an F1 event, which is part of a larger strategy to position Thailand as a top-tier global destination. PM Paetongtarn expressed confidence in the project, stating that it would not only attract tourists but also create new income streams and drive economic growth.
In a post on X on Saturday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said the government is moving forward in its discussions to bring an F1 racing event to Thailand as part of a megaproject to boost tourism.
อัพเดทแฟนๆ F1 และพี่น้องประชาชนที่ติดตามเรื่องนี้ค่ะ รัฐบาลยังคงเดินหน้าพูดคุย พิจารณาถึงความเป็นไปได้ของการจัด F1 ในไทยนะคะ
รัฐบาลจะทำอย่างเต็มที่ในเรื่องนี้ เพราะนี่คือเมกะโปรเจกต์ที่จะดึงดูดทั้งการท่องเที่ยว สร้างบรรยากาศของกีฬา ไปสู่การขยายและปรับปรุงเมือง… pic.twitter.com/TrfY6Zcljy
— Ing Shin (@ingshin) November 8, 2024
The government will do its best to secure an event, she said, noting this megaproject will attract tourists, bring excitement and pave the way for city expansion and urban improvement.
“It will bring new income, stimulate the economy and promote Thailand as a world-class destination,” she wrote.
Related Rumor: F1 Rumor: Thailand, South Korea and/or Rwanda could land F1 race
May 21, 2024
(GMM) A potential new Formula 1 race in Thailand looks set to oust an existing European race host from the sport’s annual calendar. Imola and Monza, two substandard tracks by today’s standards, are at risk.
Related Article: Formula 1 News: Thailand aiming for F1 calendar slot
Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice, told L’Equipe newspaper this week that “France must host a grand prix”, after the Paul Ricard event he promoted fell off the schedule after the 2022 edition.
He has been charged by the federal government with preparing a feasibility report for the potential return of a French GP – perhaps on the streets of Nice.
But much more advanced are arrangements to bring F1 to Thailand. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali met with the Thai prime minister in April to discuss a potential street race in the capital, Bangkok.
Thai PM Srettha Thavisin was then at Imola last weekend, as he confirmed afterwards that he had “a discussion with executives of the Formula One Group”.
“This resonates with our policy to place Thailand on the global radar for international events and activities,” the prime minister added.
A new Thai GP would increase the race calendar to 25 grands prix – something Domenicali says he does not want to do.
Angelo Sticchi Damiani, boss of Italy’s automobile club Aci, is therefore worried about the fate of the country’s two grands prix – at Imola and Monza.
The iconic Monza’s F1 contract expires next year, with major reconstruction works to bring the Italian GP venue up to modern standards currently underway.
“When we have certainty from the government regarding the possibility of public funding, we will be able to try to have an agreement with Formula 1,” Sticchi Damiani is quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“We are aiming for a ten-year agreement, on the model recently inaugurated by Hungary.”
Sticchi Damiani said he noticed that the Thai PM was at Imola last weekend.
“We are in a context where everything is changing rapidly,” he said. “The prime minister of an Asian country that wants F1 was present in Imola.
“The issue is that on the one hand Liberty Media is pushing to compete in places that can offer hospitality services that can be sold for large sums, in particular the Paddock Club.
“On the other hand, the bulk of the competition comes from Europe where we will have Madrid coming in and two great nations like France and Germany don’t have a grand prix at all but are pushing.
“In short, making proclamations is useless. We need to be realistic and understand that we need to act quickly, and that time is not our ally,” Sticchi Damiani added.