Alex Albon and Thai PM discuss potential F1 race in Thailand

Dominika Jordan
Apr 2, 2025, 06:39 AM ET

Alex Albon and Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra discuss Thailand's bid for an F1 race.

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Thai racing star Alex Albon recently met with Thailand's Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to advance discussions about bringing a Formula 1 race to the country. Albon's visit comes on the heels of earlier talks between F1 chief Stefano Domenicali and PM Shinawatra after the Australian Grand Prix, highlighting the ongoing momentum behind Thailand's bid to become a host country on the F1 calendar.

Interest in Thailand as a potential venue is part of a broader strategy by Formula 1 to identify and invest in markets that promise significant growth and engagement. Domenicali previously shared with ESPN that the sport has piqued interest from "more than 35 venues," with approximately 11 considered serious contenders. "I think the good thing that we were able to do in the last couple of years is focus on the places that we do believe represent the future for Formula 1," Domenicali told Sky Sports, underscoring the global expansion strategy.

On the topic of a potential Thai Grand Prix, Domenicali remarked on the government's apparent enthusiasm to develop a race in the country, suggesting increased possibilities for Thailand's inclusion in the F1 calendar. Albon's recent visit is expected to further amplify interest and momentum in this proposition.

During the Chinese Grand Prix, Albon expressed his excitement about the prospect of a Thai race: "It's very exciting, clearly — for myself and for all of Formula 1, not just me. Thailand is an amazing country, and I'm sure people who have been to Thailand will vouch for that." The Thai driver envisaged the unique cultural experience a race would offer, adding, "I'd be excited to hopefully one day show my colleagues the culture of Thailand, the food ... It will be interesting with the heat — that's one area that might make it a Singapore 2.0. But all the more for it. On my side, I'm doing everything I can to make that happen. But let's see."

As Formula 1 enjoys an unprecedented surge in global popularity, the race schedule continues to expand, encompassing 24 events as of recent years. A new race in Madrid is set to join next year's calendar, replacing the current Spanish Grand Prix held in Barcelona, signaling the sport's dynamic shift towards incorporating fresh and diverse locations that captivate an international audience.

With Thailand's cultural allure and governmental support, the possibility of a Thai Grand Prix presents an exciting prospective chapter for Formula 1 as it continues its trajectory of global expansion.