F1 is an international sport that races on numerous circuits in countries all over the world. Some races are conducted on dedicated tracks while others are street circuits, where everyday streets are turned into circuits.
There are 24 tracks on the current F1 calendar spanning across 21 countries. F1, as an organization, is currently pushing to add more countries to the race-hosting nations list. In a recent meeting, Stefano Domenicali talked about their latest prospect, a race in Bangkok, Thailand.
F1 in talks to add Bangkok to the race calendar
F1 always advocates for more diversity in their race calendar. Back when F1 started in 1950, there were only 7 races on the calendar. That number has grown to 24 in 2025, and might increase further even beyond.
F1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali, had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. They talked about strengthening their relationships and the Prime Minister’s plans to host a race in Bangkok.
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
“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. I am looking forward to continuing our discussions in the weeks and months ahead.” said Domenicali.
The addition of Thailand to the race calendar can be beneficial for F1. Thailand is economically more affordable than most of the countries on the calendar, which can result in a race that is far less expensive to host. In addition, Thailand already has a massive fan following for F1 due to the presence of a Thai driver on the grid, Alex Albon.
Although many fans want another race on the Asian continent, others believe that the Thailand GP might pose a threat to the Singapore GP.
Can Thailand match Singapore in the Grand Prix experience?
The Singapore Grand Prix is one of the grandest Grand Prix experiences that F1 has to offer. It is a street race that’s held at night time, bringing out the neon-soaked beauty of the city.
Thailand Grand Prix is proposed to be a street circuit as well. And it might just be able to pose a threat to the Singapore Grand Prix. Several aspects of the Singapore Grand Prix make it undesirable for some fans.
The flag of Thailand appeared on an F1 podium for the first time ever on Sunday 🇹🇭#TuscanGP #F1 @alex_albon pic.twitter.com/Swiz7hknAg
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 14, 2020
For instance, the Singapore GP is one of the most expensive races on the calendar. Ticket prices for the Marina Bay circuit are in the upper ranges. The race isn’t just expensive for the viewers but for the hosts and F1 as well.
Comparatively, Thailand is economically more affordable, hence, the hosting costs can be far less. We have seen fans flock to the Malaysian Grand Prix due to the race being held on a track and during the day. The same could be said for Thailand.
It remains to be seen what Thailand will bring to the table for the Bangkok Grand Prix and how F1 will react. But a new race on the calendar is an interesting prospect for all parties involved.
