Formula One is experiencing a surge of interest in China and the possibility of adding a second race in southeast Asia, according to Liberty Media’s Chief Executive Greg Maffei.
Maffei revealed that countries like Thailand, South Korea, and Indonesia have shown interest in hosting an Asian round of the championship, which currently consists of a record 24 races. South Korea, which previously hosted a grand prix in Mokpo, is now looking to bring racing to the capital city of Seoul.
Thailand’s Prime Minister attended the recent race at Italy’s Imola circuit, sparking discussions of a potential race in Bangkok. With Liberty Media’s recent acquisition of MotoGP, which already has races in Thailand and Indonesia, the possibility of expanding Formula One’s presence in the region is becoming more feasible.
The return of Formula One to China this year after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic was a success, especially with the debut of Chinese driver Guanyu Zhou. Maffei noted the increased interest in China, particularly with a local driver in the mix.
With only Singapore currently hosting a race in southeast Asia following Malaysia’s departure, the addition of a second race in the region seems promising. Maffei also mentioned Formula One’s plans to enhance the Las Vegas Grand Prix following last year’s inaugural night race on the iconic Strip.
As Formula One continues to explore new markets and engage with fans worldwide, the potential for growth in Asia and beyond is on the horizon. The sport’s expansion could bring more excitement and opportunities for both fans and drivers alike.