Anglo-Thai Formula 1 driver Alex Albon is excited by talks of a future Grand Prix in Bangkok, which would represent a home race for the Williams star.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali visited Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra between the Australian and Chinese Grand Prix to discuss plans to bring the series to the city of Bangkok.
After the visit, the Italian said: “I was delighted to meet with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand, and her team today to discuss their impressive plans to host a race in Bangkok.
“I am looking forward to continuing our discussions in the weeks and months ahead.”
Naturally, talks of F1 visiting Thailand come as welcome news to Williams’ Albon, who holds dual British and Thai citizenship.
Albon was asked ahead of the Chinese GP in Shanghai what an F1 race in Thailand could have in store for the series.
“Firstly, I’m trying to keep up with Stefano and asking him… I think we’re going to meet up later,” Albon began.
“But it’s very exciting, clearly—for myself and for all of Formula 1, not just me.
“Thailand is an amazing country, and I’m sure people who have been to Thailand will vouch for that.
“I’d be excited to hopefully one day show my colleagues the culture of Thailand, the food… It will be interesting with the heat—that’s one area that might make it a Singapore 2.0.
“But all the more for it. On my side, I’m doing everything I can to make that happen. But let’s see.”
What are Thailand’s plans to host F1
Prime Minister Shinawatra’s bid to bring F1 to Thailand is the latest chapter in long-standing interest from the South-East Asian nation in Grand Prix hosting duties.
However, with plans merely in the stage of ‘talks,’ having a Thai GP any sooner than 2028 is unlikely.
What is likely however, is that a Thai GP will be a night race, due to the similar climate to Singapore, as Albon mentioned.
F1 reporter Joe Saward writes that plans are taking shape to redevelop a Bangkok bus terminal into a semi-permanent venue akin to the Marina Bay Circuit in Singapore or Australia’s Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne.
Located to the north of Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, the Mo Chit 2 bus terminal is an area set for redevelopment and thus creates the canvas to build an F1 venue.
Infrastructure already in place could form the footprint of a new pit complex and the interconnecting road and rail network makes the area easily accessible.
It’s mooted that the circuit would run under the Si Rat Expressway and into Wachirabenchathat Park, an area marked with lakes and greenery, providing that perfect blend of Marina Bay’s urban traits and Albert Park’s trademark look.
Thailand is one of several nations interested in hosting F1, including Argentina, South Korea, Rwanada and South Africa.
READ MORE – F1 CEO hails Thailand’s ‘impressive plan’ to host race in Bangkok
