Thailand’s cabinet approves US$1.2 billion to bid for a five-year right to host Formula 1 in Bangkok starting as early as 2028. If successful, this would mark Thailand’s debut in the Formula 1 calendar and gain international spotlight.
Thailand proposes a 5.7-kilometer track street circuit between the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station and Chatuchak Park in an area to the north of the city’s center.
Having a new Formula 1 race in the calendar means that one of the existing race is likely at risk of being dropped but on the bright side it is a great time for thai motorsport and formula 1 fans and Alex Albon as he would have the chance to compete in his home country.
Although, nothing has been finalized yet, the proposal has already sparked significant excitement and questions on what would happen to other races in the calendar.
With new additions like the Madrid Grand Prix confirmed for 2026, several races are effectively running out of time. Historic venues such as Spa-Francorchamps, Emilia Romagna, and Zandvoort are slowly being replaced due to expiring contracts.
As the sport continues to expand its global footprint through the popularity of their Netflix series “Drive to Survive” and their latest Hollywood movie “F1 The Movie”, balancing the legacy and heritage of the sport with commercial appeal has become increasingly complex.
Although a potential Thai Grand Prix would mark a bold new chapter for Southeast Asia in Formula 1, after the discountinuation of the Malaysian Grand Prix - but this also means that it is a signal of the end of a race elsewhere.
As Formula 1 continues to expand into new territories and tracks, the space in their race calendar grows tighter and tighter, eventually forcing even iconic circuits to fight for their place in the calendar.
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