Thailand’s $1.2 billion F1 race set to be the most expensive in history

The world of F1 isn’t exactly a cheap place at the best of times.

In fact, it is renowned for the levels of wealth and finance involved.

The country of Thailand appears to be desperate to get in on the action.

And it has officially set aside an eye-watering $1.2 billion to do so.

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F1: A truly global motorsport championship

Formula 1 (F1) is the pinnacle of four-wheeled motorsport.

It is the world’s richest and most glamorous traveling circus.

The fastest cars on the planet travel the globe competing against each other.

From desert duels in Bahrain to the streets of Monaco, F1 is a truly global championship.

Its history and lineage runs from Africa to South America, from Australia to the UK and Ireland, and everywhere in between.

To put it very simply – hosting an F1 race event is a big, big deal.

Countries often find themselves pushing and jostling to bring the travelling circus to their shores.

The current F1 calendar is in a real state of flux, with tracks potentially getting axed in favor of others.

For one thing, the Belgian Grand Prix at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps track is becoming part-time.

The Dutch Grand Prix (the home GP of reigning World Champion Max Verstappen) is getting cut entirely.

Could a new race location be on the horizon?

Naturally, this has left quite a few candidates rubbing their hands at the opportunity.

And there is a new name on the block that wants to get in on the action.

On Tuesday, Thailand’s government made an enormous announcement.

It announced that it has officially set aside a mammoth $1.2 billion to bid to host F1.

If successful, Thailand’s bid would more than double the current most expensive race on the calendar.

In line with the Thai Government’s intention to bring F1 racing to Thailand in the near future, I visited the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari and had a discussion with executives of the Formula One Group. This resonates with our policy to place Thailand on the global radar for… pic.twitter.com/yhIhgAhcoA— Srettha Thavisin (@Thavisin) May 19, 2024

The current record holder is the Las Vegas Grand Prix (at $500 million) in case you were wondering.

Thailand’s bid would more than double the outlay to host F1 in Sin City.

The current F1 calendar already hosts an incredible 24 races in its yearly race calendar.

The commitments and demands already push teams and individuals to breaking point.

However, the temptation for Formula One Management/Liberty Media is clear and obvious.

F1 already hosts three races in the Far East – these are in China, Japan and Shanghai.

Could a fourth about to be added to the ever-growing F1 calendar soon?The post Thailand’s $1.2 billion F1 race set to be the most expensive in history appeared first on Supercar Blondie.