Thailand keeps Formula 1 dream alive despite political pit stops

BANGKOK: Formula 1 is expanding its lucrative global calendar – and Thailand wants in.

The country aspires to join Singapore as Southeast Asia’s second Grand Prix host, part of Bangkok's billion-dollar push to draw tourists with world-class events.

But shifting political winds in the Thai capital may stall those ambitions, although observers say the country is tantalisingly close to securing a deal.

ROYAL RACING HERITAGE

Bangkok’s dream of hosting its own motor race dates back to the 1930s, when Thai royal Birabongse Bhanudej, better known in the West as Prince Bira, became the country’s first international racing star. 

The White Mouse Cafe in the city’s Old Town showcases this lesser-known part of Thai motorsport history. 

Its walls are adorned with photos and mementos of the trailblazing prince.

The grandson of King Mongkut, Bira was to have an event in his own backyard, with a street circuit planned around Bangkok’s Grand Palace in 1939. But as World War II broke out, the engines never got to roar through the streets of the Thai capital.

After the war, he returned to racing and competed in F1’s inaugural World Drivers' Championship in 1950, driving a Maserati 4CLT/48. He stayed on the circuit for several more years before hanging up his helmet in 1955.

US$1.2 BILLION PUSH

Seventy years later, F1 has become a global phenomenon. The current season has a tightly packed schedule of 24 races across the world. 

With other destinations such as Argentina, South Korea, South Africa and Rwanda also expressing interest in hosting F1, Thailand has stepped up its bid.

Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pitched a Grand Prix in Thailand early in 2024 as a means to boost the country’s tourism sector.

While Srettha was ousted in August 2024, his successor Paetongtarn Shinawatra also expressed her determination to bring the race to Bangkok, meeting with the championship’s stakeholders on several occasions.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali was reportedly “impressed” by the Thai government’s plans.

Under Paetongtarn’s administration, Bangkok submitted a US$1.2 billion proposal to host a race from 2028, underscoring the government’s commitment.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand told CNA that the bid is part of a broader strategy that includes “concerts by big international acts and world-class sporting competitions”, with the aim of making Thailand an “all-year-round destination” where visitors “stay longer and spend more”. 

But where would this race actually take place, if approved. 

A draft track layout exists, but has not been made public. 

Reports suggest that a temporary street circuit could be built in the Chatuchak district – known for its popular weekend market – north of central Bangkok. This reflects a growing trend in the sport to bring the action to the people instead of a purpose-built track outside the city. 

A FORCED PIT STOP?

However, the country’s F1 aspirations face new uncertainties following the latest change in government.

Paetongtarn was ousted by Thailand’s Constitutional Court in August for an ethical breach linked to her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia. 

The Bhumjaithai Party, led by new Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, hails from the northeastern province of Buriram, home to Thailand’s only racetrack certified to host an F1 race. The Chang International Circuit has successfully hosted MotoGP, Formula 1’s two-wheeled counterpart, for several years.

So far, the new administration has not commented on whether it will continue pursuing its predecessors’ plans, or if the budget will be redirected elsewhere.

Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, the new Thai tourism and sports minister, is currently more focused on the upcoming SEA Games that Thailand is hosting at the end of this year.

“My duty is to figure out how to organise the SEA Games so we can show that Thailand is capable of organising such events on an international level,” he told CNA a day after the new government was sworn in on Sep 24.

KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE

Thailand has a few factors in its favour – a large F1 following and a sizable local representation in the sport.

Red Bull – co-founded by late Thai businessman Chaleo Yoovidhya – owns two racing teams. One of them, Red Bull Racing, is among the sport’s most successful teams in modern times. 

Meanwhile, Alex Albon, currently driving for Williams Racing, is the first Thai F1 driver since Bira.

Albon said a Thai race would not only put his country on the map but also create jobs.

“⁠I think there's such an amazing opportunity to host a Formula 1 race in Thailand,” the 29-year-old said at a fan meet-and-greet in Bangkok on Apr 1 this year. 

“Not just drivers. I'm talking about engineers, mechanics, people who want to work in the industry of Formula 1, they don't really have great opportunities (so far).”

Another petrolhead keeping his hopes up is Manusart Sripana, a former Thai rally driver and sporting official, as well as a long-time motorsports commentator.

Now in his 70s, he has seen his fair share of pitches bringing F1 to Thailand, some more credible than others.  

He thinks the nation has never come as close as this to hosting its own race. 

Thailand “is a place that motorsports wants to come – everything is prepared, it’s all down to ‘how we go on from here?’” he told CNA.

“The budget has been earmarked and how that’s going to be used … that’s not known yet. But we’ve progressed a lot further than 10 years ago when it was proposed the last time, but it’s just that it has come to a halt.”

Until the country’s new government comes to a decision, fans like Manusart are holding on to their Grand Prix dream.

“I’ve been going on about it for years … Before I die, I must see a Formula 1 race in Thailand, and I’ll commentate on it!” he said with a laugh. 

Additional reporting by Jiratchaya Chaichumkhun