Key Takeaways:

• F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali will visit Bangkok for discussions about a potential Grand Prix.
• The majority of F1's race schedule is firm for the coming years, but new venues are being considered.
• Domenicali emphasizes focusing on future markets to enhance the sport's global reach.
• Thai officials envision a street circuit in Bangkok, capitalizing on the city's historic landmarks.
• Other countries, including Turkey and Rwanda, are also pursuing F1 opportunities for their regions.

Formula One's president and chief executive, Stefano Domenicali, is set to visit Thailand's capital, Bangkok, next week following the Australian Grand Prix to engage in discussions regarding a potential F1 race in the bustling city. Domenicali, who has recently extended his contract to lead Formula One until 2029, is keen to tap into new markets amid the sport's burgeoning popularity.

Currently, the structure of Formula One's 24-race calendar remains locked in for the immediate future, with notable exceptions such as the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort being secured only until 2026. Recently, the Belgian Grand Prix negotiated to maintain its presence on the calendar for four out of six years from 2026 to 2031, creating opportunities for new races alongside established events.

During a statement made to Sky Sports, Domenicali noted, “The good thing that we were able to do in the last couple of years has been to focus on the places that we believe represent the future for F1.” He added that the organization has long-standing agreements with many venues worldwide that allow for both significant investments and improvements to enhance fan experiences.

The discussion regarding a potential race in Bangkok is particularly significant, as Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin previously invited Domenicali last year to explore the vision of hosting a Grand Prix in the city, potentially focusing on a street circuit around its historic center. Thai officials remain enthusiastic about joining the Formula One circuit and see the Grand Prix as a major attraction enhancing tourism and international visibility.

Many countries, including traditional hosts such as France and Germany—which are absent from the 2025 calendar—are also actively seeking to return, while the Turkish Grand Prix, last held in 2021, is considered a valid candidate to fill future slots. Meanwhile, outside Europe, Rwanda has plans to develop a new circuit near its capital Kigali.

The Asia-Pacific region currently encompasses four existing races, namely Australia, China, Japan, and Singapore, positioning Thailand as a potential new hotspot for motorsport enthusiasts, and fueling a competitive atmosphere among various nations to secure Formula One events.