Conversations in Motion: Thailand Makes Its Case for a Place on the F1 Calendar

Formula 1 may soon add a compelling new destination to its calendar: Bangkok. With Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, reaffirming his commitment to the sport’s global expansion, plans for a race in Thailand are beginning to take concrete shape.

A recent meeting between Stefano Domenicali and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra placed the conversation firmly on the record. The two discussed ambitious proposals that could bring Formula 1 to the vibrant streets of Bangkok. “It was a pleasure to meet today,” Domenicali confirmed via F1 Media, indicating that negotiations are advancing on a positive trajectory. Both leaders have committed to continued dialogue in the weeks and months ahead — a signal that points toward a genuinely bright future for motorsport in Southeast Asia.

Shinawatra was equally direct, taking to her official account on X to make clear that Thailand is prepared to make its move in motorsport tourism. “The government is committed to studying this joint investment,” she stated, underscoring the economic significance a Formula 1 Grand Prix would carry for the country.

The Prime Minister also identified a broader strategic dimension: Formula 1 as an instrument for elevating Thailand’s global profile. With a Grand Prix already on its record in the MotoGP category, the country has already demonstrated its credentials as a serious player in the world of motorsport. A 2028 debut is the projected target — placing the necessary investments and preparations squarely on the immediate horizon.

Bangkok is not the only city in contention. In Europe, Madrid is positioning itself as another coveted host for a Grand Prix. Under the name ‘MADRING,’ the Spanish capital is edging closer to welcoming Formula 1 back, with projections indicating that construction of the new circuit at IFEMA will be completed before September 2026.

The conversations between Thailand and Formula 1 are more than a negotiation — they are a meaningful step toward an exhilarating new chapter in the history of the Grand Circus. The question is no longer if the engines will roar through the streets of Bangkok, but when.