Formula 1 eyes expansion in Southeast Asia amid rising interest after Shanghai GP

Formula 1 is experiencing a notable increase in popularity in China and nearby countries after organizing this year's Shanghai GP. This is intimidating the owners of the sport to add a second race in Southeast Asia. This comes directly from the Chief Executive of Liberty Media, which owns F1, Greg Maffei. 

Maffei made these comments during the Monaco Grand Prix, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for the sport in the region. Maffei mentioned that Thailand, South Korea, and Indonesia have all expressed interest in hosting a race. Currently, the championship calendar includes a record 24 races, but the demand from these countries suggests there could be room for more.

South Korea, which previously held a Grand Prix in Mokpo, is now considering bringing the race to its capital, Seoul. The shift to a major metropolitan area could attract more spectators and increase the race's visibility.

What are Thailand’s prospects?

Thailand is also showing strong interest. The country’s Prime Minister attended last weekend’s race at Italy’s Imola circuit, fueling speculation about a potential race in Bangkok. This interest is further supported by Liberty Media’s recent acquisition of MotoGP, which already has successful races in Thailand and Indonesia. 

This acquisition indicates Liberty Media’s broader strategy to strengthen its Southeast Asian presence. Formula 1’s return to China this year after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic has also played a significant role in the sport's regional surge. The return was marked by Sauber’s Guanyu Zhou making his home debut, undoubtedly boosting local interest.

The potential expansion into Southeast Asia aligns with Liberty Media's vision of making Formula 1 a truly global sport. With significant interest from countries like Thailand, South Korea, and Indonesia, the region could soon become a new hotspot for Formula 1 racing, further expanding the sport's global footprint and fan base.