Thailand Set to Join F1 Calendar in 2028 with New Street Circuit

The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) has unveiled initial plans for a new FIA Grade 1 street circuit in Bangkok, designed to host the Thai Grand Prix starting in 2028.

The proposed 5.732 km clockwise layout features 18 corners and would rank as the eighth-longest circuit on the current F1 calendar, slotting between Monza (5.793 km) and the Circuit of the Americas (5.513 km).

The circuit will utilize existing roads in northern Bangkok, primarily along Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, passing landmarks including the Mo Chit Bus Terminal, Queen Sirikit Park, and the Krungthep Aphiwat Central Terminal. The pit and paddock complex will be a permanent structure located in the infield.

The track winds through northern Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, utilizing public roads like Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, and incorporates urban landmarks for a street-circuit feel similar to Monaco or Singapore. Key features include:
– Length and Direction: 5.732 km, clockwise.
– Corners: 18, with a mix of long straights (e.g., 1.2 km back straight between Turns 13 and 14, ending in a 320-degree right-hander), tight low-speed corners, and technical sequences.
– Start/Finish: On a straight with an immediate right-hand kink into a 290-degree right-hand Turn 1.
– Landmarks Passed: Krungthep Aphiwat Central Terminal, Mo Chit Bus Terminal, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Queen Sirikit Park, Chatuchak Park, Vachirabenjatas Park (Railway Park), PTT Public Company HQ, and State Railway of Thailand areas.
– Fan Zones and Grandstands: 8 fan zones across transport hubs, commercial areas, and parks; approximately 24 grandstands, including one overhanging Turn 5.
– Pit Building: Permanent multi-purpose structure in the infield near Mo Chit Bus Terminal, similar to Monaco’s facilities.
– Capacity: Over 108,000 spectators.

Textual Circuit Path Description

A detailed turn-by-turn map isn’t publicly detailed in text form, but based on the released plans, the circuit forms a looping street layout starting and ending near the Krungthep Aphiwat Central Terminal. It proceeds northward along Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, hairpinning through parks and markets, with the long back straight running parallel to railway lines before tightening into the industrial area near PTT HQ. The path then curves back southward through Queen Sirikit Park and the bus terminal for the return leg, closing the loop with technical chicanes amid green spaces. This creates eight distinct zones for spectator viewing, blending urban infrastructure with natural parks.

Thailand has been in formal discussions with Formula 1 since 2024. In June 2025, the Thai government approved a budget of approximately 41.4 billion baht (around US$1.23 billion) to fund the event and necessary infrastructure upgrades over multiple years.

The initial contract is expected to cover five seasons, from 2028 to 2032. The most likely slot on the calendar is March, positioning the race among the early-season Asian fly-away events alongside Australia, China, and Japan.

Thailand already hosts international motorsport at the Buriram International Circuit (also known as Chang International Circuit), which has held MotoGP rounds since 2018 and is FIA Grade 1 licensed. However, the government has opted for a new Bangkok street circuit to capitalize on the capital’s global visibility and tourism potential.

Williams driver Alex Albon, who races under the Thai flag, met with government officials in early 2025 to support the bid and described the project as “really promising.”

Construction and road resurfacing work is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the circuit required to meet full FIA Grade 1 homologation before the inaugural race in 2028.