Formula One (F1) is showing significant interest in adding a second race in the Southeast Asia region. Liberty Media, the sport's owner, has revealed that interest in F1 is growing rapidly in China and Asia, opening up new opportunities to host races in countries such as Thailand, South Korea and Indonesia.
Greg Maffei, Chief Executive of Liberty Media, even stated at the Monaco Grand Prix that several countries in Southeast Asia have expressed interest in hosting Asian races, which currently total a record 24.
South Korea, which previously hosted the Grand Prix in Mokpo, is now interested in moving the race to Seoul. The Prime Minister of Thailand is also interested in discussing a race in Bangkok, while Liberty Media recently acquired MotoGP, which also holds races in Thailand and Indonesia.
During the Monaco Grand Prix event, Maffei also mentioned that interest in racing in China is growing, especially after Formula One returned to the country this year after a four-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This resurgence is also being fueled by the success of Chinese driver Guanyu Zhou.
He also revealed that they are considering various locations to host Formula One races, focusing on fan-favorite venues with strong organizational capabilities. He is confident that fans will easily accept the addition of a second race in Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, Singapore remains the only race in Southeast Asia following the cancellation of the Malaysia event, while Thailand is represented on the Formula One grid by Williams driver Alex Albon, who has ties to the country.
