Thailand’s 2028 F1 dream accelerates

Thailand’s wish to host a Formula One Grand Prix is edging closer to reality, with a race in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district set for 2028.

The MoU was agreed to on behalf of SAT, after its CEO Stefano Domenicali last week visited the country to meet with the Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and discuss the project.

SAT Governor, Dr. Gongsak Yodmani later confirmed the signing of the MoU, adding that the Chatuchak area was now set to be the main site for the race.

A working committee formed by Sorawong Thienthong, the Tourism and Sports Minister, also has looked at possible locations around Bangkok and in the provinces to accommodate tournament participants and officials, including in places such as Chon Buri, if the Chatuchak location proves unworkable, he said.

“The key thing is that we’ve got to get to know the community and the individuals in the area who will be impacted by the race. We’re (in agreement) that an F1 event should have benefits for all stakeholders, local residents in particular,” Gongsak said.

“We’ve gotta leave them with the impression that we’re at least doing our best to minimise the environmental impact, the noise impact, to keep them informed of what’s going on, to compensate them should we have to close.”

The specifics of the MoU have been under raps while they hammer out the details, but Gongsak explained that this is the start of a three-year project where there will be great detail of data analysis, design and a meticulous timeline.

Red Bull reshuffle?

Speculation about Liam Lawson’s future with Red Bull accelerated on Tuesday when reports emerged that the Formula One team had settled on replacing the New Zealander with the Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda.

Dutch newspapers De Telegraaf and De Limburger reported that Honda-backed Tsunoda would replace Lawson as Max Verstappen’s teammate from the Japanese Grand Prix next week following a Red Bull meeting in Dubai.

An official announcement was expected later in the week, they said.

Red Bull did not immediately comment on the development.

Lawson’s representatives said they were “unaware whether what’s been reported has been finalised by Red Bull,” according to The New Zealand Herald newspaper. bangkok post/reuters