Components 1 chief Stefano Domenicali has revealed he’ll go to Bangkok subsequent week for talks over including a race in Thailand’s capital metropolis to the game’s calendar.
Nearly all of F1’s 24-race schedule is locked in for a number of years, however it was introduced throughout the winter that the Dutch Grand Prix will drop off the calendar after 2026 and that the Belgian Grand Prix will seem on a rotational foundation, beginning with a primary absence in 2028.
Though the present settlement F1 has with its groups permits for a most of 25 races and due to this fact the potential so as to add an occasion with out shedding one, there would doubtless be pushback from drivers if an already gruelling schedule grows additional.
Talking completely to Sky Sports activities F1’s Martin Brundle forward of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, F1 president and chief govt Domenicali appeared to recommend Thailand is a significant contender, amongst different venues, to hitch the calendar.
Thailand is one in all a number of international locations hoping to develop into a part of the F1 calendar
“The great factor that we had been capable of do within the final couple of years has been to deal with the locations that we imagine symbolize the longer term for Components 1,” Domenicali stated.
“When it comes to promoters and tracks that we’re already at, we’ve got a long-term standing settlement with numerous them that allows them to take a position, to enhance the ability, to enhance the standard of the leisure that we have to give to our followers.
“We obtain numerous consideration from different locations on the earth. After ending the race right here in Melbourne, I am going to Bangkok to see… there’s a potential curiosity to develop one thing there.”
Former Thai prime minister Srettha Thavisin, who was changed in August 2024, attended final yr’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola and defined internet hosting a race was partially motivated by a want to place the nation on “the worldwide radar”.
Domenicali’s affirmation of his intention to go to Bangkok forward of subsequent week’s Chinese language Grand Prix suggests a change in authorities management has not altered Thailand’s intention to oin the calendar.
‘Curiosity from Africa and South America’
Domenicali defined that there’s curiosity from all around the globe to hitch the calendar, and that he sees retaining the bidding course of aggressive as essential to sustaining “leverage” over present tracks to keep up excessive requirements.
He added: “And we’ve got different locations in Europe, and there are pursuits in Africa, pursuits in South America now.
“However a very powerful factor is that we hold this sort of state of affairs that it’s a privilege (to host a race), to provide us the leverage on having an awesome attainable enchancment in all places we go.”
Here is your paddock cross for the Australian Grand Prix, be part of Karun Chandhok as he provides you a sneak peek in Melbourne!
Domenicali says plans for Madrid to exchange Barcelona because the host of the Spanish Grand Prix in 2026 are on monitor, whereas additionally explaining why Zandvoort is dropping off the calendar.
He stated: “Madrid is working very laborious to ensure that the race might be there in two years. It is not a straightforward challenge if you begin from scratch. They’re actually motivated. They’re right here in Australia to point out us the progress, and there’s a lot of curiosity in that nation.
“One other instance in Europe that’s doing an unbelievable job is Hungary. If you arrive in Hungary, you may be extremely shocked on the stage of funding that they’re doing. I feel all of the cranes in Hungary are there to ensure that we’ve got good services for the followers.
“Additionally, as all the time in life, when you must make some decisions, there are conditions that you could contemplate. I feel that Zandvoort, for instance, acknowledged the truth that they did an unbelievable job, they had been spot on time in the beginning of the brand new part of Components 1, however now they understood that in an effort to enhance, for the very best of the calendar, it is tough for them to remain. However we’ve got the dedication from them to be two unbelievable occasions in 2025 and 2026 that might be superior.
“So, numerous vibes and numerous curiosity from different locations that I can’t actually say at present, however I’ll say to our followers, keep tuned.”
Choice coming ‘very quickly’ on future F1 launch occasion
Domenicali additionally stated {that a} choice might be made “very quickly” as as to if F1 will repeat the all-team launch that debuted in London final month.
The O2 Area hosted F1 75 Reside, which noticed all 10 groups reveal their liveries – with all 20 drivers current – in entrance of 1000’s of followers.
Highlights from all 10 groups as they launch their liveries on the F1 75 LIVE
The occasion had initially been seen with scepticism by a few of the sport’s drivers, however was by all accounts a significant success, thrilling each the followers in attendance and people watching world wide.
Domenicali stated: “I feel that has been an awesome success. Exhibiting the platform, additionally to persuade the extra sceptical ones, that F1 has to suppose huge.
“If it is occurring yearly is one thing we have to focus on. For positive, there may be numerous curiosity from completely different promoters from completely different locations on the earth, that wish to, for instance, contemplate it as a twenty fifth Grand Prix to launch the season.
“We’ll make the choice very, very quickly.”
Sky Sports F1’s live Australian GP schedule
Saturday March 15
- 12.10am: F3 Dash*
- 1.10am: Australian GP Observe Three (session begins at 1.30am)*
- 3.10am: F2 Dash*
- 4.15am: Australian GP Qualifying build-up*
- 5am: AUSTRALIAN GP QUALIFYING*
- 7am: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book*
- 7.30am: Australian GP Qualifying Replay* (9am on Sky Showcase)
- 9.55pm: F3 Characteristic Race*
Technique analyst and former Aston Martin Head of Technique Bernie Collins breaks down your greatest probabilities of successful the opening race of the F1 calendar, the Australian Grand Prix
Sunday March 16
- 12.25am: F2 Characteristic Race*
- 2.30am: Australian GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
- 4am: THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX*
- 6am: Australian GP response: Chequered Flag*
- 7am: Ted’s Pocket book*
- 7.55am: Australian GP race replay
- 10am: Australian GP highlights (additionally on Sky Showcase)
- 7pm: Villeneuve Pironi – Racing’s Untold Tragedy
*Additionally on Sky Sports activities Essential Occasion
Watch all 24 race weekends from the 2025 Components 1 season reside on Sky Sports activities F1, beginning with the Australian GP this weekend. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
