Alex Albon Supports Formula 1 Race in Thailand Meeting with PM

Thai driver Alex Albon supports efforts to host a Formula 1 race in Thailand, meeting with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Discussions have intensified following previous talks by former PM Srettha Thavisin. Formula 1’s CEO emphasized interest from many global locations while confirming a 24-race cap. Proposals for a rotational race system are under consideration to manage the growing demand for races.

The prospects of hosting a Formula 1 race in Thailand have gained momentum, with Thai driver Alex Albon endorsing the initiative. Recently, Albon met with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, marking a significant step in discussions for a potential Grand Prix in Bangkok. Albon’s support adds to the ongoing efforts to secure a place on the F1 calendar, which has seen interest from multiple countries, including Thailand.

Thailand has expressed interest in joining the Formula 1 calendar for several years, making notable efforts to engage with F1 authorities. Previous Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin attended the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in 2022 to discuss opportunities for collaboration with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. With Albon’s meeting with Shinawatra, the momentum for a Thai Grand Prix appears to be increasing.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has highlighted the interest from various global locations while discussing possible expansions of the calendar. He remarked about the interest from different regions including Africa, Europe, and South America, emphasizing the need to focus on destinations that embody the future of Formula 1. Thailand, alongside other nations, is poised to compete for inclusion in the competitive racing schedule.

Despite over 35 venues expressing interest in hosting F1 events, Domenicali confirmed that the current cap of 24 races would be maintained. McLaren CEO Zak Brown suggested a possible approach of rotating races to accommodate growing interest while preserving the integrity of the established calendar. He proposed maintaining a stable 24-race format by having a fixed number of races with rotational slots for new markets.

Belgium made strides in this direction, becoming the first to sign a rotational contract with F1, committing to host a race until 2031, while strategically omitting races in specific years. This innovative approach reflects the ongoing changes and adaptations within the sport to satisfy growing global interest and participation.

The ongoing discussions surrounding a potential Formula 1 race in Thailand are bolstered by support from local athlete Alex Albon and positive dialogues with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. While numerous nations vie for inclusion in the busy F1 calendar, maintaining the current limit of 24 races presents challenges. Innovations like rotational contracts could provide pathways for new markets while preserving established races. These developments signal a continuous evolution in the Formula 1 landscape.

Original Source: www.motorsport.com