Albon impressed with Thailand GP plans after meeting prime minister

Alex Albon insists Thailand is taking its pitch “very seriously” to host a Formula 1 grand prix in the future after the Williams driver travelled to the country to discuss plans with the prime minister.

Following in the footsteps of F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, Albon held talks with Paetongtarn Shinawatra before heading to the Japanese Grand Prix and was impressed by what he saw from the current designs.

Hopes of a grand prix around the streets of Bangkok have existed for some time but the process was stepped up last month Domenicali visited between the Australia and China race.

Previous prime minister Srettha Thavisin had originally expressed a firm interest in bringing F1 to Thailand and his successor is now keeping the momentum going.

Asked how his trip went, the Thai-British driver replied: “Really good. Being totally honest, a bit hectic. Going back to the sim and then coming out to Thailand. Obviously we’re trying to help get the Thai GP under way and seeing how we can help.

“I spoke with him [Domenicali] in China, he went to see the Prime Minister. So I saw the PM a week after Stefano did.”

Having then attended a meeting with Shinawatra, Albon was left impressed by what he saw on the table.

“It’s moving along, obviously nothing’s finalised but it’s really good to see the commitment from Thailand,” he said. “They’re taking it very seriously. And I think as a product, they have a very strong product. If you see the projects…If you see how serious they are.

“I’ve seen a generic look at what they’re trying to do with it. And yeah, it looks good, I don’t think I can say [much more]. So I’d rather stay quiet on it. Again, I don’t want to say too much but I’m following a lot of interesting events.”

Mobbed by fans when he races in nearby Singapore, while the fan culture is also huge in Japan, Albon admits the interest in F1 in Thailand is not quite at that level but is increasing all the time.

“Thailand’s not as big in terms of the most sports scene as maybe Japan is. Obviously with Honda and Toyota and all these huge brands. Saying that, they do have quite a big bike passion,” he said.

“And of course with MotoGP, they had their full race one and opening ceremony over there. It’s growing.

“I think the rate at which it’s growing is huge. So when I was there last week, I was shocked how much bigger it’s got, even from last year and then when I think about 2019 to where we are now, it’s more than tripled, quadrupled its size.

“It must really need a bit of work and that’s kind of part of why I’m speaking to the prime minister. It’s how can we build the hype and build the fascination for it.

Alex Albon, Williams

Photo by: Clive Mason/Getty Images

“It’s not that accessible on TV as it is in other countries. And it’s behind a subscription service. So things like that limits its viewership.

“We’ve seen how Formula 1 has made its way to a younger and younger generation and a more diverse population. It’s still in that beginning phase. So the majority of people who are interested in Formula 1 aren’t your casual viewers, where you’re getting growth in other countries.”

Albon revealed he narrowly avoided being caught up in the earthquake that killed over 20 people in Thailand and left thousands of citizens dead in neighbouring Myanmar.

“We came right after the earthquakes as well so that was a bit tricky to navigate,” he said. “But good to see people in good spirits for the most part, glad that it wasn’t more damaged.

“Like our hotel room got damaged really badly, like cracks everywhere. And I’m just surprised that the majority of the buildings stayed up. So yeah, it was a bit scary but all good.

“I landed 30 minutes after it happened. So when I landed it was like DEFCON 3 and everyone freaking out. And I was like, what’s going on?

“It was almost surreal because I didn’t have data on my phone so I only could see people panicking and I didn’t know what was going on. So yeah, it was a bit scary.”