Method 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 in the course of 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 dropping one, there would possible be pushback from drivers if an already gruelling schedule grows additional.
Talking solely to Sky Sports activities F1’s Martin Brundle forward of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, F1 president and chief government Domenicali appeared to recommend Thailand is a significant contender, amongst different venues, to affix the calendar.
Thailand is one in every of a number of international locations hoping to develop into a part of the F1 calendar
“The good thing that we were able to do in the last couple of years has been to focus on the places that we believe represent the future for Formula 1,” Domenicali stated.
“When it comes to promoters and tracks that we’re already at, we’ve got a long-term standing settlement with a whole lot of them that permits them to take a position, to enhance the power, to enhance the standard of the leisure that we have to give to our followers.
“We receive a lot of attention from other places in the world. After finishing the race here in Melbourne, I go to Bangkok to see… there is a potential interest to develop something 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 global 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 everywhere in the globe to affix the calendar, and that he sees protecting the bidding course of aggressive as necessary to sustaining “leverage” over present tracks to take care of excessive requirements.
He added: “And we have other places in Europe, and there are interests in Africa, interests in South America now.
“However a very powerful factor is that we preserve this sort of state of affairs that it’s a privilege (to host a race), to provide us the leverage on having an excellent doable enchancment in all places we go.”
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Here is your paddock go for the Australian Grand Prix, be a part of Karun Chandhok as he provides you a sneak peek in Melbourne!
Domenicali says plans for Madrid to switch Barcelona because the host of the Spanish Grand Prix in 2026 are on observe, whereas additionally explaining why Zandvoort is dropping off the calendar.
He stated: “Madrid is working very hard to make sure that the race will be there in two years. It’s not an easy project when you start from scratch. They are really motivated. They are here in Australia to show us the progress, and there is a lot of interest in that country.
“One other instance in Europe that’s doing an unimaginable job is Hungary. Whenever you arrive in Hungary, you can be extremely shocked on the stage of funding that they’re doing. I believe all of the cranes in Hungary are there to ensure that we’ve got good amenities for the followers.
“Also, as always in life, when you have to make some choices, there are situations that you need to consider. I think that Zandvoort, for example, acknowledged the fact that they did an incredible job, they were spot on time at the beginning of the new phase of Formula 1, but now they understood that in order to improve, for the best of the calendar, it’s difficult for them to stay. But we have the commitment from them to be two incredible events in 2025 and 2026 that will be awesome.
“So, a whole lot of vibes and a whole lot of curiosity from different locations that I can not actually say right now, however I’ll say to our followers, keep tuned.”
Decision coming ‘very soon’ on future F1 launch event
Domenicali also said that a decision will be made “very quickly” as as to whether F1 will repeat the all-team launch that debuted in London final month.
The O2 Enviornment hosted F1 75 Stay, which noticed all 10 groups reveal their liveries – with all 20 drivers current – in entrance of 1000’s of followers.
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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 number of the sport’s drivers, however was by all accounts a significant success, thrilling each the followers in attendance and people watching around the globe.
Domenicali stated: “I think that has been a great success. Showing the platform, also to convince the more sceptical ones, that F1 has to think big.
“If it is occurring yearly is one thing we have to focus on. For positive, there may be a whole lot of curiosity from completely different promoters from completely different locations on this planet, that want to, as an instance, think about it as a twenty fifth Grand Prix to launch the season.
“We’re going to make the decision very, very soon.”
Sky Sports activities F1’s stay 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 Function Race*
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Technique analyst and former Aston Martin Head of Technique Bernie Collins breaks down your finest possibilities of successful the opening race of the F1 calendar, the Australian Grand Prix
Sunday March 16
- 12.25am: F2 Function 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 Predominant Occasion
Watch all 24 race weekends from the 2025 Method 1 season stay on Sky Sports activities F1, beginning with the Australian GP this weekend. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
