On the eve of the first of twenty-four races in 2025, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali reveals that he is considering many more host countries for future Grands Prix. With growing interest in the sport, countries are lining up to secure a spot on the calendar. After the season opener in Melbourne, Domenicali flies to Bangkok to discuss the possibilities for a Thai GP.
The current Formula 1 calendar is the busiest ever, with twenty-four Grands Prix and six sprint races spread over a period of ten months. Drivers and teams indicated last year that the lengthy season sometimes takes its toll, but due to the global popularity of the sport, there is a high chance that more destinations will be added soon. However, to prevent the calendar from becoming too full, some Grands Prix will also have to disappear. For example, Formula 1 will come to Zandvoort for the last time in 2026, and the Belgian GP has already signed a rotation agreement. Are they already making room for a Thai GP?
Thai GP in the making?
CEO Stefano Domenicali, who recently signed a new five-year contract, sees it as an important task to bring Formula 1 to new markets. “I think we have done well in recent years to focus on the places that we believe represent the future of Formula 1,” he responded on Friday to Sky Sports. “We simply receive a lot of interest from new locations worldwide.”After I finish the race here in Melbourne, I’m flying to Bangkok to see if there’s interest from the government to develop something there,” he revealed. The Italian was already a guest in the Thai capital in April 2024 to discuss the possibilities of a street race with then Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Not much later, Thavisin visited the Emilia-Romagna GP.
“In line with the government’s intention to bring a Grand Prix to Thailand, I visited the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari and had a conversation with Formula 1 executives,” Thavisin explained afterwards. “This aligns with our policy to put Thailand on the map globally for international events and activities.” However, Thavisin was succeeded by the new Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, in August.
