Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali reveals Thailand visit as talks over possible Bangkok race continue | F1 News

Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali has revealed he will visit Bangkok Upcoming week for talks over adding a Game in Thailand’s capital city to the sport’s calendar.

The majority of F1’s 24-Game schedule is locked in for Many years, but it was announced during the winter that the Dutch Grand Prix will drop off the calendar after 2026 and that the Belgian Grand Prix will appear on a rotational basis, Beginning with a Primary absence in 2028.

Although the Ongoing agreement F1 has with its Squads allows for a maximum of 25 races and therefore the potential to add an event without losing one, there would likely be pushback from drivers if an already gruelling schedule grows Beyond.

Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle ahead of the season-Beginning Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, F1 president and chief executive Domenicali appeared to suggest Thailand is a Significant contender, among other venues, to join the calendar.

“The Excellent thing that we were able to do in the last Pair of years has been to Concentration on the places that we believe represent the future for Formula 1,” Domenicali said.

“In terms of promoters and tracks that we are already at, we have a long-term standing agreement with a Plenty of them that enables them to invest, to Enhance the facility, to Enhance the quality of the entertainment that we need to give to our fans.

“We receive a Plenty of attention from other places in the world. After finishing the Game here in Melbourne, I go to Bangkok to see… there is a potential interest to develop something there.”

Previous Thai prime minister Srettha Thavisin, who was replaced in August 2024, attended last year’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola and explained hosting a Game was in part motivated by a desire to put the country on “the global radar”.

Domenicali’s confirmation of his intention to visit Bangkok ahead of Upcoming week’s Chinese Grand Prix suggests a Transformation in government leadership has not altered Thailand’s intention to oin the calendar.

‘Interest from Africa and South America’

Domenicali explained that there is interest from all over the globe to join the calendar, and that he sees Retaining the bidding process Aggressive as Significant to maintaining “leverage” over Ongoing tracks to maintain high standards.

He added: “And we have other places in Europe, and there are interests in Africa, interests in South America now.

“But the most Significant thing is that we keep this Gentle of situation that it is a privilege (to host a Game), to give us the leverage on having a Outstanding possible improvement everywhere we go.”

Domenicali says plans for Madrid to replace Barcelona as the host of the Spanish Grand Prix in 2026 are on track, while also explaining why Zandvoort is Sinking off the calendar.

He said: “Madrid is working very Tough to make sure that the Game will be there in two years. It’s not an Effortless project when you Begin from scratch. They are really motivated. They are here in Australia to show us the progress, and there is a Plenty of interest in that country.

“Another example in Europe that is doing an Unbelievable Position is Hungary. When you arrive in Hungary, you will be incredibly surprised at the level of investment that they are doing. I think all the cranes in Hungary are there to make sure that we have Excellent facilities for the fans.

“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 Unbelievable Position, they were spot on time at the beginning of the new Stage of Formula 1, but now they understood that in order to Enhance, for the best of the calendar, it’s difficult for them to stay. But we have the commitment from them to be two Unbelievable events in 2025 and 2026 that will be awesome.

“So, a Plenty of vibes and a Plenty of interest from other places that I cannot really say today, but I will say to our fans, stay tuned.”

Decision coming ‘very soon’ on future F1 Kickoff event

Domenicali also said that a decision will be Created “very soon” as to whether F1 will repeat the all-Club Kickoff that debuted in London last month.

The O2 Stadium hosted F1 75 Live, which saw all 10 Squads reveal their liveries – with all 20 drivers present – in front of thousands of fans.

The event had initially been viewed with scepticism by some of the sport’s drivers, but was by all accounts a Significant Triumph, thrilling both the fans in attendance and those watching around the world.

Domenicali said: “I think that has been a Outstanding Triumph. Showing the platform, also to convince the more sceptical ones, that F1 has to think big.

“If it’s happening every year is something we need to discuss. For sure, there is a Plenty of interest from different promoters from different places in the world, that would like to, let’s say, consider it as a 25th Grand Prix to Kickoff the season.

“We’re going to make the decision very, very soon.”

Sky Sports F1’s live Australian GP schedule

Saturday March 15

• 12.10am: F3 Dash*
• 1.10am: Australian GP Practice Three (session Initiates at 1.30am)*
• 3.10am: F2 Dash*
• 4.15am: Australian GP Qualifying build-up*
• 5am: AUSTRALIAN GP QUALIFYING*
• 7am: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*
• 7.30am: Australian GP Qualifying Replay* (9am on Sky Showcase)
• 9.55pm: F3 Feature Game*

Sunday March 16

• 12.25am: F2 Feature Game*
• 2.30am: Australian GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
• 4am: THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX*
• 6am: Australian GP Reflex: Chequered Flag*
• 7am: Ted’s Notebook*
• 7.55am: Australian GP Game replay
• 10am: Australian GP highlights (also on Sky Showcase)
• 7pm: Villeneuve Pironi – Racing’s Untold Tragedy

*Also on Sky Sports Main Event

Observe all 24 Game weekends from the 2025 Formula 1 season live on Sky Sports F1, Beginning with the Australian GP this weekend. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime