What could the Thailand Grand Prix circuit look like?

Little by little, Thailand's bid to host the first Grand Prix in its history is gaining momentum. After an initial meeting between former Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Stefano Domenicali in Imola on the sidelines of the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, it was the current Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who met with the boss of the F1, further confirming the ambitions of the Land of Smiles.

« I was delighted to meet with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her team today to discuss their impressive plans to host a race in Bangkok. I look forward to continuing our discussions in the weeks and months ahead.,” Stefano Domenicali confided after their meeting in mid-March.

A city tour in Bangkok, too complicated?

Naturally, such an exchange offers a burst of hope to the organizers of the potential Thailand Grand Prix, who are already exploring all possibilities to welcome the paddock as soon as possible. And while nothing has really been defined regarding the future circuit, several tracks have recently emerged.

The most logical option would be to go to the Buriram International Circuit, already hosting the Thailand Grand Prix in MotoGP and which above all has the FIA ​​Grade 1, essential to host the premier category, located around 400 kilometers northeast of Bangkok.

But it seems likely that Paetongtarn Shinawatra and his team are leaning toward holding the event in the capital. Could this mean a new city circuit on the calendar in a few years, following the addition of Las Vegas and Jeddah, while Madrid is set to join F1 with a street circuit?

Not quite, as the project team is aware of the traffic and infrastructure problems in Bangkok, which would make it very difficult to hold a race in the heart of the city. According to reports from Time Out Bangkok, it is the area of ​​the Mo Chit bus station, which will be relocated, near Chatuchak Park which would be targeted, in the form of a permanent circuit in the north of the Thai megalopolis. Logical while F1 and the local authorities are aiming for a long-term contract.

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