A Grand Prix in Thailand would be "a Singapore 2.0, but it would be a good thing"

After Japan, China and Singapore, the Formula 1 Will it extend its Asian tour? While Malaysia and India have recently hosted Grand Prix races, Thailand is in pole position to host one of its own in the coming years.

On Tuesday, after the Australian Grand Prix, F1 boss Stefano Domenicali met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to discuss the possibility. “I was delighted to meet today with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand, and her team to discuss their impressive plans to host a race in Bangkok, the Italian rejoiced on social media. I look forward to continuing our discussions in the weeks and months to come.”

To facilitate Thailand's potential entry, Stefano Domenicali can count on the support ofAlexander albon, the only Thai driver on the grid. "I'm trying to follow this up with Stefano and ask him questions. I think we'll discuss it later, but it's clearly very exciting, not just for me, but for all of Formula 1." the pilot rejoiced Williams, fifth in the first Grand Prix of the year in Australia.

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Stefano Domenicali:

“I was delighted to meet with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minster of Thailand, and her team today to discuss their impressive plans to host a race in Bangkok. I am looking forward to continuing our discussions in the weeks and months ahead.” pic.twitter.com/lqtgZu6BYy

- F1 Media (@ F1Media) March 18, 2025

Thailand favorite against Rwanda and South Africa?

“Thailand is an incredible country, and I'm sure anyone who has been there can attest to that.” continues Alex Albon. "I'm looking forward to one day introducing my colleagues to Thai culture, the food... It will be interesting, especially with the heat. It could become a Singapore 2.0, but that would be a good thing. So, for my part, I'm doing everything I can to make that happen. We'll see how it evolves."

The Southeast Asian country has not yet defined the outlines of its project, but it could be an urban circuit – the new F1 trend – on the streets of Bangkok, the capital. The Buriram circuit, which hosted the opening round of the season MotoGP, does not seem to be an option.

While no Grand Prix has been added to the calendar in 2024 and 2025, several candidates have already made themselves known for 2026 and beyond, with applications at various stages. South Africa, once very close to a comeback, took a step back before returning to the fray with the launch of a call for applications. In Africa, Rwanda was also pushing hard, but the recent invasion of the Democratic Republic of Congo appears to have put a brake on discussions, at least temporarily.

More politically stable and potentially more economically attractive to decision-makers, Thailand appears to have a very good chance of quickly hosting a Grand Prix.

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