India is exploring Formula One’s return, with a NITI Aayog-led task force formed to assess the feasibility of hosting a Grand Prix and prepare a motorsport roadmap. It will examine taxation, infrastructure, policy, tourism and investment benefits and PPP models. The Buddh International Circuit, which last hosted F1 in 2013, is being considered again.
India is exploring the revival of Formula One in the country, with the government constituting a task force under NITI Aayog to assess the feasibility of hosting a Formula One Grand Prix and develop a roadmap for the growth of the motorsports ecosystem.
Task force to assess feasibility
The Task Force for Formula One Grand Prix feasibility assessment will examine challenges affecting the sector, including taxation-related issues, and assess measures required for sustainable development of motorsports in India.
The task force will also evaluate the international, economic, tourism and investment benefits associated with hosting motorsport events, while identifying key priorities, infrastructure requirements and operational needs.
It will further examine the need for a comprehensive policy framework and recommend suitable Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to support the growth of motorsports in the country.
The task force is chaired by Yugal Kishore Joshi, PD (YAS), NITI Aayog.
The members include Kunal, Joint Secretary, Department of Sports; Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce; Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism; representatives from CBIC and CBDT under the Department of Revenue; representatives from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra State Governments; representatives from Buddh International Circuit (BIC) and Madras International Circuit (MIC); President/Secretary General of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI); a technical expert nominated by FMSCI; and any other member co-opted by the chairperson based on requirement.
Indian Grand Prix revival
The move comes as the government considers bringing back Formula One to the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida, nearly 13 years after the last Indian Grand Prix was held at the track.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had earlier visited the Buddh International Circuit, indicating potential plans to revive the Indian Grand Prix.
The Indian Grand Prix was held at the Buddh International Circuit from 2011 to 2013, with Germany’s Sebastian Vettel winning all three editions for Red Bull Racing.
The inaugural race was held on October 30, 2011, as the 17th round of the 2011 Formula One season, where Vettel emerged victorious.
Formula One has not returned to the Indian calendar since 2013. Besides Formula One, India hosted a MotoGP round in September 2023 at the Buddh International Circuit, though the event has not returned since.
Plans for global motorsport events
Earlier this year, Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) President Arindam Ghosh attended a meeting with the Sports Ministry in New Delhi and said that efforts are underway to bring Formula 1 back to India by 2030, a round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) and MotoGP by 2028.
Later, at the FMSCI Annual Awards function, Ghosh said, “The meeting with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State Raksha Khadse, senior officials and potential stakeholders in New Delhi, focused primarily on bringing F1, MotoGP and a round of the WRC to India.”
“The Federation stressed the need to develop Indian drivers and the overall development of motorsports in India, and the FMSCI’s inputs were well received,” he added.
Force India’s F1 journey
Force India’s F1 journey: India’s only official Formula One constructor was the Force India F1 Team, which competed in the sport from 2008 to 2018 under an Indian licence. Force India competed in 212 races between 2008 and 2018 and recorded notable milestones, including a pole position and multiple podium finishes.
Sergio Pérez was among the key drivers for the team, racing from 2014 to 2018. He scored 400 points, secured five podium finishes and made 99 race starts during his stint with Force India.
The team’s best race result came at the 2009 Belgian Grand Prix, where Giancarlo Fisichella secured second place and also delivered Force India’s first pole position.
Force India recorded six podium finishes during its Formula One campaign, with Pérez accounting for five podiums and Fisichella securing one. The team achieved its highest-ever constructors’ championship standing by finishing fourth in the World Constructors’ Championship in both 2016 and 2017.
