Thailand’s F1 dream accelerates as Albon meets PM Shinawatra

©Alex Albon

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©Alex Albon

Ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, Williams charger Alex Albon met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, further fueling hopes of a Bangkok Grand Prix.

The Thai-British star, racing under Thailand’s flag, discussed his support for bringing Formula 1 to his home country. This follows F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali’s promising talks with Shinawatra last month, signaling Thailand’s growing ambition to join the F1 calendar.

Adding momentum, promoters of the prospective Bangkok street race have signed a memorandum of understanding with Formula One, marking a key step forward. Albon’s meeting underscores Thailand’s push to host a Grand Prix, a dream fueled by national pride and motorsport passion.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.