India Unveils New Push to Bring Formula One Back After 15-Year Hiatus

The Indian government has taken a significant step toward bringing Formula One racing back to the country, with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announcing the formation of a dedicated Task Force to assess the prospects of reviving the sport and hosting major motorsport events in India.

The decision follows a recent meeting involving Formula One officials, representatives of the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, the Adani Group, the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) , and young racers and motorsport enthusiasts.

According to Mandaviya, the four-to-five-member Task Force will conduct a comprehensive assessment of India's motorsport ecosystem and identify the challenges hindering its growth. The panel will also evaluate the economic, tourism, investment, and international benefits of hosting premier motorsport events, including Formula One.

The Task Force will include representatives from the Sports Ministry, FMSCI, the Uttar Pradesh government , and the owners of the Buddh International Circuit. Once constituted, it will have three months to submit its recommendations to the ministry. Based on the findings, the government plans to develop a comprehensive policy framework aimed at promoting motorsports across the country. Special emphasis will be placed on strengthening grassroots and regional motorsport centres while integrating motorsports into the government's 'Play in India' initiative .

Mandaviya said the goal is to host a Formula One Grand Prix in India by 2028 , revising an earlier target of 2027. He highlighted the sport's growing popularity in the country and its potential to generate economic activity through tourism, infrastructure development, and investment .

India previously hosted Formula One races at the Buddh International Circuit from 2011 to 2013 . However, the event was removed from the Formula One calendar due to taxation issues and financial challenges .

Formula One President and CEO Stefano Domenicali recently acknowledged India's importance as a market for the sport, though he noted that a successful return would require the right investment and long-term commitment. The sport's fanbase in India continues to expand rapidly, growing from 79 million in December last year to 98 million within six months .

The government's latest initiative signals renewed momentum toward re-establishing India as a destination for top-tier international motorsport .