India’s Formula One revival: Sports minister charts high-speed future

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is accelerating efforts to revive Formula One in India , a sport that last raced on Indian soil at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida from 2011 to 2013. The races were halted due to taxation disputes and logistical challenges , leaving India’s world-class motorsport infrastructure underutilized.

In a recent meeting with the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) , Mandaviya emphasized the need to create a structured ecosystem for drivers, engineers, and technical professionals, aiming to develop a strong pipeline of homegrown talent . Officials including Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao and FMSCI council member Vicky Chandhok discussed both F1 and MotoGP prospects . Chandhok noted, “The ministry is clear that India’s technological growth deserves the world’s premier motorsport , and they are committed to supporting us fully.”

The Buddh International Circuit , known for its high-speed straights and world-class facilities, is central to India’s revival plan. It offers ready infrastructure capable of hosting international races, training programs, and motorsport events, providing a springboard for India’s drivers and technical teams.

Hosting F1 could deliver significant economic and tourism benefits , including international visitor inflows, sponsorship revenue, and global media attention, while boosting related industries like hospitality, automotive engineering, and entertainment. The move aligns with India’s long-term ambition to become a global sporting hub , alongside its hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the bid for the 2036 Olympics .

India’s trailblazing F1 drivers, Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok , laid the foundation, and Mandaviya’s renewed focus on infrastructure, talent development, and global partnerships could reignite the nation’s presence in elite motorsport . The FMSCI has also offered to facilitate discussions with Formula One management , bringing India a step closer to reclaiming its place on the world racing map.