Interesting Fact: Thai drivers in Formula series
Thailand may not be the first country that comes to mind when people think of Formula racing, but it has quietly built a presence in the motorsport world through a few determined and talented drivers. From racing in junior series to reaching the heights of Formula One, Thai drivers have proven that passion, skill, and perseverance can break through on the international stage. This list highlights the key names who have represented Thailand in various levels of Formula racing, showing the growing impact of Thai talent in a sport traditionally dominated by a few powerhouse nations.
Honorable Mention
His Serene Majesty Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh, better known as Prince Bira of Siam (or simply B. Bira), was the first Thai and Asian driver to compete in international motorsport and Formula One. Racing in the 1930s through the 1950s, he became known for his skill, style, and pioneering spirit. He drove in 19 Formula One World Championship races, achieving strong results in an era dominated by European drivers and teams. Beyond racing, he was also a talented sculptor, pilot, and sailor who represented Thailand in four Olympic Games. Prince Bira’s legacy lives on as a national sporting hero and a symbol of Thailand’s early presence on the world motorsport stage.
Alex Albon is a British-Thai Formula One driver who races under the Thai flag and has become a key figure in modern motorsport. After debuting in F1 with Toro Rosso in 2019, he quickly rose to Red Bull Racing, where he earned his first podiums and made history as Thailand’s first F1 podium finisher. Though he faced setbacks, Albon made a strong comeback with Williams, where he’s now seen as a team leader and long-term cornerstone. Known for his calm, respectful personality and resilience, Alex represents both talent and determination, inspiring Thai fans and maintaining a steady presence on the F1 grid.
Tasanapol "Tern" Inthraphuvasak is a young and promising Thai racing driver currently competing in the FIA Formula 3 Championship. Starting his career in karting, he steadily progressed through various Formula 4 and regional series, earning multiple podiums and wins. In 2025, he made history by becoming the first Thai driver to win an FIA Formula 3 race. Tern is considered one of Thailand’s brightest talents in motorsport, with strong potential to climb further up the racing ladder.
Nandhavud "Jem" Bhirombhakdi is a young Thai racing driver who began his career in karting and progressed through various Formula 4 championships in Europe. In 2024, he stepped up to the Formula Regional European Championship and has shown steady improvement, scoring points with Trident Motorsport in 2025. Coming from a well-known Thai family with strong ties to motorsport, Jem is considered a promising talent with the potential to rise even further in international racing.
Enzo Tarnvanichkul Suphaveera is a young Thai-Spanish racing driver and member of the Red Bull Junior Team. He began karting at the age of three and won the 2022 CIK-FIA OK-Junior World Championship. In 2024, he moved to single-seater racing, competing in the Formula Winter Series and F4 Spanish Championship. For 2025, he will race full-time in the Eurocup-3 and part-time in the GB3 Championship, showcasing strong potential as a rising talent.
Sitavee "Minnie" Limnantharak is a talented young Thai female racing driver who started karting at age 10 and won the Thai national karting championship three years consecutively, earning royal recognition. She made history in 2018 as the first Asian female to receive the "First Lady" award at the IAME International World Final in France. Transitioning to car racing, Minnie won the Class C championship in the Honda City Hatchback One Make Race in 2023. In 2025, she competed in the KYOJO Cup Formula 4 series in Japan, finishing strongly. With strong family support and dedication, she aims to climb the motorsport ladder to higher categories such as Formula 3, making her one of Thailand’s promising female talents in racing.
