F1 Thailand GP Plans Advance with Proposed Circuit Reveal
Thailand is moving closer to hosting its first Formula 1 Grand Prix, with the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) revealing initial plans for a 5.7km, 18-corner street circuit in Bangkok. A five-year contract from 2028 to 2032 is being discussed, with races possibly in March or September. This push, supported by driver Alex Albon, signifies F1's continued expansion into new markets and its embrace of street circuits.
Discussions for a new Formula 1 Grand Prix in Thailand are gaining momentum, with initial plans for a street circuit in Bangkok now public. The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) has unveiled a proposed 5.7km track featuring 18 corners, eyeing a five-year contract from 2028 to 2032, with races potentially held in March or September. This development signifies a significant step towards adding another street circuit to the F1 calendar.
Why it matters:
Thailand's push for an F1 Grand Prix reflects the sport's expanding global reach, particularly into new and potentially lucrative markets in Southeast Asia. Adding Bangkok to the calendar would bring the thrill of Formula 1 to a passionate new fanbase and further solidify F1's strategy of incorporating more street circuits, following the successful additions of Miami and Las Vegas.
The Details:
- Circuit Design: The proposed track is a 5.7km street circuit in Bangkok, designed with 18 corners, aiming to integrate the city's iconic landmarks into the racing experience.
- Contract & Schedule: The SAT anticipates an initial five-year contract, spanning from 2028 to 2032. The race weekend is tentatively scheduled for either March or September, pending calendar integration.
- Key Support: Williams driver Alex Albon, who races under the Thai flag, has actively supported the project, meeting with government officials to assist in its development.
- Precedent in Thailand: While F1 would be new, Thailand already successfully hosts a MotoGP race at the Buriram circuit since 2018, demonstrating its capability to manage major international motorsport events.
- F1's Street Circuit Trend: This proposal aligns with Formula 1's recent trend of incorporating more street races, as seen with the successful launches of the Miami and Las Vegas Grands Prix.
What's next:
Conversations between the Thai government and Formula 1 continue to escalate. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali visited Thailand in March 2025, engaging in discussions with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra regarding the "impressive" plans for a potential race in Bangkok. If these plans materialize, the Thailand Grand Prix could soon become a fixture on the Formula 1 calendar, further diversifying the sport's global footprint and delivering exhilarating street racing action to fans worldwide.