Alexander Albon: Grand Prix in Thailand is becoming more and more realistic

(Motorsport-Total.com) - "Everything looks very promising," says Williams driver Alexander Albon, hoping that a home Grand Prix will become part of the Formula 1 calendar in the near future. While several countries are vying for a piece of the increasingly attractive Formula 1 pie, Thailand seems closer to reality than most – not least because Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali already visited the country this year.

Albon also spoke with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, while the Thai government earlier this month approved a budget of $1.2 billion to bring Formula 1 to the streets of the capital by 2028.

In recent days, however, Shinawatra's position has been shaken after a leaked phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen sparked public outrage - but she remains in office for the time being.

Despite this setback, Thailand - whose previous Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin also pushed for a Formula 1 race to boost its tourism economy - is expected to push ahead with plans, with Albon also playing a key role.

"It seems as if it's becoming more and more real. Thailand is obviously very strong in the tourism sector, and Formula 1 fits perfectly with the country's strategy," he said ahead of this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix.

"No setbacks so far"

"I really think it would be very good for the country. They seem to be taking it very seriously. They've been to a lot of races, although I don't know if they'll be here this weekend. But they've been there almost every time for the last two or three races," Albon said.

"And everything's moving forward. There have been no setbacks so far, which is very important. I can't say much more about it. But I've seen the route and the initial plans. It all looks very promising."

When asked about the route, Albon reveals a little more about what the planned circuit might look like and, above all, where it will be located: "No, it's not in the middle of Bangkok. I can confirm that. If you've ever been to Thailand and Bangkok, you know that the traffic situation there isn't exactly optimal. So the track is a bit out of the way," he explains.

"They're working hard on the infrastructure and logistics to make it easier for people to get in and out. The track itself: I wouldn't call it a typical street circuit. Not like the ones we've seen a lot in recent years. I think it has more character, and that's positive," said Albon.

Albon works closely with the government

Just like his Williams teammate Carlos Sainz, who is the official ambassador of the Madrid circuit "Madring", which will host the Spanish Grand Prix from next season, Albon also hopes to do his part to ensure that a race takes place in Bangkok.

"The government is very supportive of the project," he adds. "So I don't need to be too vocal or too involved. At the same time, I want it to be a success. This year and next year, we're working to promote Formula 1 and motorsport in general in Thailand. We're working very closely with the government and all other stakeholders."

"Sports tourism, general tourism—we really want to involve everyone and make the project as big as possible."