Alex Albon Gives Rousing Review of Proposed Thai GP Layout, Calling It a Top-Tier Street Circuit

Alex Albon has given a glowing endorsement of the proposed Thai Grand Prix street circuit in Bangkok, declaring it superior to recent city track additions and praising its potential for good racing. The Williams driver, who has been consulted on the project, highlighted the 5.7km layout's flowing corners and multiple racing lines as key ingredients for overtaking.

Why it matters:

A new Grand Prix venue receiving such strong praise from a current driver—especially one with local ties—before a shovel even hits the ground is rare. Albon's insight suggests the proposed Bangkok circuit could avoid the common pitfalls of modern street tracks, which are often criticized for being processional. His endorsement adds significant credibility to the project as it seeks final approval and aims to join the F1 calendar as early as 2028.

The details:

• Albon has been involved in discussions with Thai authorities and reviewed early designs, though he clarifies he didn't directly design the track.
• The proposed circuit is a 5.7-kilometer, 18-corner clockwise street layout in Bangkok, backed by a $1.9 billion AUD investment from the Thai government for a potential five-year deal from 2028-2032.
• The Williams driver specifically praised the layout for creating "a lot of opportunity to do different lines," which he identifies as "the secret to good racing" by getting cars off the typical racing line and generating clean air in different places.
• Beyond the track, Albon is excited to introduce the F1 paddock to Thai culture, calling Thailand a "great country" with "great people."

The big picture:

Formula 1's expansion into new markets in Southeast Asia continues, with Thailand poised to become a key destination. The project has high-level support, with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali having met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in early 2025. While Thailand currently hosts MotoGP at Buriram, a Bangkok Grand Prix would mark its debut on the F1 calendar, tapping into a growing regional fanbase and Albon's personal star power as the nation's only F1 driver.

What's next:

Final approval from Formula 1 management is the next major hurdle. If approved, construction of the temporary circuit is estimated to take one to two years, with a potential slot on the calendar in either March or September. Albon's advocacy and the substantial financial backing position Thailand strongly, but the final decision rests on commercial agreements and the ever-evolving puzzle of the F1 calendar.