Thailand is gearing up to welcome Formula 1 for the very first time in 2028, following government approval of a $1.23 billion plan to create a brand new street circuit in Bangkok. The ambitious project has received the green light from the Thai cabinet and will see the capital city join the exclusive list of destinations on the F1 calendar.
Elegant Sports had the privilege of attending an exclusive dinner in London on 10th September, hosted by Thai ambassador Nadhavathna Krishnamra. The evening's guest of honour was Thai Formula 1 star Alex Albon, who is playing a pivotal role in championing his country's bid to stage the Thai Grand Prix.
An Exclusive Invitation
The dinner took place at Michelin-starred AngloThai, with Elegant Sports among the select few sports travel companies invited by Ambassador Krishnamra.
The centrepiece of the evening was the unveiling of detailed plans for the inaugural Thai Grand Prix, which organisers hope will debut on the 2028 Formula 1 calendar. Like many of the sport's recent additions, the Thai Grand Prix will be run on a city circuit, weaving through Bangkok's vibrant Chatuchak district. Measuring 3.54 miles in length, the track will showcase iconic landmarks including Chatuchak Park, promising both spectacular racing and a dramatic backdrop.
The Thai cabinet has allocated $1.23 billion for the project, covering both construction and the race-hosting fees under an initial five year contract running until 2033. Officials anticipate the event will attract 300,000 spectators and inject an additional $440 million annually into Thailand's economy, underlining the Grand Prix's importance to the nation's tourism and global profile.
A Night With Alex Albon
A highlight of the evening was the presence of Alex Albon, Thailand's only current F1 driver. Albon has been a central figure in the Thai Grand Prix bid, even going as far as meeting privately with the Thai Prime Minister as momentum for the race gathered pace.
Albon was clearly excited at the prospect of racing on home soil, a perception which goes someway towards explaining the time he has invested into the project. This includes the time he spent with us on this evening.
Currently enjoying what many consider his strongest season to date, Albon sits 7th in the Drivers' Championship with eight races remaining. Matching his best career finish, achieved in 2020 with the front running Red Bull team, would mark a major milestone - particularly given Williams' recent rise from the back of the grid.
While Albon struggled alongside Max Verstappen during his Red Bull tenure, hindsight has been kind: no teammate since has come closer to challenging the Dutchman's dominance. Verstappen has since secured four world titles, cementing his place among Formula 1's all-time greats.
At Williams, Albon has flourished, consistently outperforming his new teammate Carlos Sainz, a proven race winner during his Ferrari years. His resurgence has reignited speculation about a possible return to Red Bull, whose part-owner, Thai billionaire Chalerm Yoovidhya - Thailand's richest man - is known to be a long-time supporter of Albon's career.
Like many in the county, Albon is a practicing buddhist and came across both humble and grateful for everything he has achieved thus far in his career.
Gearing Up for 2028
With Yoovidhya's backing and Albon's growing reputation, whispers of a Red Bull reunion are gathering pace. By the time the Thai Grand Prix debuts in 2028, Albon could well be back in a front-running car, ready to give home fans a storybook moment on the streets of Bangkok.
The launch evening concluded with a raffle of signed Albon memorabilia-items that may prove even more valuable if his trajectory continues upward. For Elegant Sports, it was an honour to be part of such a landmark occasion, offering a glimpse into how Thailand plans to combine sporting ambition, national pride, and world-class spectacle.