Thailand edges closer to the Formula 1 checkered flag
This past weekend, the roar of engines and high-speed drama at the Monaco Grand Prix kept motorsport fans on the edge of their seats. But for Thai F1 enthusiasts, the real excitement was off the track as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra made a power move in Monte Carlo, signalling Thailand's full throttle race toward the dream of hosting a Grand Prix on home soil.
After a pitstop in the Big Mango in March, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali welcomed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to the fast lane at the Circuit de Monaco. In a high-stakes meeting, they reignited talks about bringing top-tier single-seater racing to the kingdom. This time, the Prime Minister hit the track herself, caught live practice sessions and connected with Thai F1 ace Alex Albon and rising talent Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak, who is currently tearing through the 2025 FIA Formula 3 Championship.
Besides connecting with the CEO, she also had a high-profile meeting with His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco to power up discussions on Formula 1's role in driving international collaboration, cutting-edge innovation and the fast-approaching dream of hosting the country's very own Grand Prix.
Bringing the race to Thailand is set to be a game-changer for the economy. According to the Prime Minister, this event will play a crucial role in diversifying beyond seasonal tourism, with the government investing in world-class man-made destinations to host major international events in the future.
Hosting such a grand event also requires significant upgrades from high-performance track improvements and grandstands to cutting-edge digital infrastructure and paddocks. These investments will create numerous jobs and establish the nation as a rising powerhouse on the global motorsport stage.
Site evaluations are now revving up, though the official race location remains under wraps. What's clear is that Alex Albon and Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak are fully backing the push to bring the Grand Prix home.
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