Formula One’s CEO Stefano Domenicali confirms advanced discussions with Thailand to host a Grand Prix, marking an effort to expand in Asia while prioritizing quality over quantity in its race calendar. He noted the growing global nature of F1 and mentioned Cadillac’s entry as vital for innovation.
Formula One President and CEO Stefano Domenicali has disclosed that advanced discussions are underway with Thailand regarding hosting a Grand Prix. This initiative signifies Formula One’s goal to enhance its presence in Asia while adhering to a strategy prioritizing quality over quantity in its racing calendar. During an exclusive interview with Xinhua on the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix weekend, Domenicali mentioned that Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has shown significant interest in this prospect.
Domenicali noted, “The government of Thailand, the prime minister, were really interested to develop a project. We should finalize something in the next months,” referring to the dialogues as “very good” while advising against over-promising the outcome. The potential inclusion of Thailand comes as Formula One faces a record 24-race calendar starting in the 2024 season, a rise from 22 races in 2021, prompting considerations for existing events to rotate or be removed from the schedule.
He emphasized that the aim is to maintain no more than 24 races, highlighting the shift from a primarily European focus to a truly global championship, as less than half of the races now occur in Europe. Domenicali reiterated the commitment to enhancing the fan experience rather than merely increasing the number of races. He affirmed, “We want to work with promoters to improve quality. That’s very, very important.”
Furthermore, he mentioned the importance of attracting new audiences while keeping sustainability at the forefront of the sport’s mission. Additionally, the F1 grid is set to welcome Cadillac as its 11th team in 2026, a move applauded by Domenicali as crucial for fostering innovation. He stated that Cadillac’s involvement, backed by General Motors, will inject significant technology and expertise into the sport, although he dismissed the prospect of adding more teams, reiterating a focus on quality rather than quantity.
Stefano Domenicali’s discussions with Thailand about hosting a Grand Prix highlight Formula One’s commitment to expanding its Asian influence while maintaining a focus on quality. The sport’s evolving global calendar necessitates careful planning, ensuring that fan experience is prioritized. With Cadillac joining the F1 grid in 2026, the sport aims to innovate further while fostering sustainability, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to the championship’s future.
Original Source: english.news.cn
