India Wants Formula One Back: Government Begins Push to Revive Indian Grand Prix

More than a decade after Formula One disappeared from India's sporting calendar, the country's ambitions to host the world's premier motorsport championship are back on track.

The Government of India has initiated efforts to revive the Indian Grand Prix, with discussions underway to bring Formula One back to the Buddh International Circuit (BIC), Greater Noida, potentially by 2028. The move signals a renewed commitment to positioning India as a global motorsport destination while strengthening its growing automotive ecosystem. (Reuters)

Government Forms Task Force to Address Past Challenges

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently met stakeholders, including representatives from the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) and the prospective owners of the Buddh International Circuit.

The government is expected to establish a dedicated task force to identify and resolve the key issues that led to Formula One's exit from India after 2013. According to Reuters, the panel will focus on:

• Taxation reforms

• Regulatory simplification

• Infrastructure readiness

• Policy support for international motorsport

• Better coordination between central and state agencies

The task force will also include officials from India's tax authorities, while government think tank NITI Aayog is expected to assist in streamlining approvals across ministries.

Why Formula One Left India

India hosted the Formula One Indian Grand Prix for three consecutive years between 2011 and 2013 at the Buddh International Circuit.

Despite attracting international attention and strong fan interest, the event was discontinued because of multiple challenges:

• Complex taxation policies

• Customs duties on imported racing equipment

• Regulatory uncertainties

• High hosting costs

• Lack of long-term commercial viability

One of the biggest setbacks came when Formula One was treated as an entertainment event rather than a sport for taxation purposes, significantly increasing the financial burden on organizers.

Adani Group's Growing Role

The revival effort has gained momentum with the Adani Group, which is in the process of acquiring the company that previously owned the Buddh International Circuit.

Karan Adani has earlier indicated that he is personally committed to bringing Formula One back to India, raising hopes that the circuit could finally receive the long-term investment and management support required for a successful return.

Formula One Also Wants to Return

Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali has acknowledged the championship's interest in returning to India, describing the country as an important growth market.

However, he also emphasized that the return would require:

• Strong local promoters

• Stable commercial partnerships

• Government support

• Long-term planning

Rather than rushing a comeback, Formula One wants a sustainable model that avoids the issues that ended the previous Indian Grand Prix.

Why India Matters to Formula One Today

The landscape has changed dramatically since Formula One last raced in India.

Today, India represents one of the world's fastest-growing automotive markets and one of Formula One's largest untapped fan bases.

Several trends make the timing attractive:

• Rapid growth in premium and luxury vehicles

• Rising interest in performance cars

• Expansion of EV and motorsport technologies

• Massive digital audience through streaming platforms

• Growing participation from Indian engineering talent in global motorsport

Formula One has also expanded aggressively into emerging markets in recent years, making India a logical addition if commercial conditions improve.

What It Means for India's Automotive Industry

For India's auto industry, the return of Formula One would extend far beyond motorsport.

Potential benefits include:

• Greater international visibility for India's automotive sector

• Increased motorsport investments

• Technology partnerships

• Growth in automotive engineering and motorsport careers

• Tourism and hospitality revenue

• Stronger premium automotive brand engagement

Global manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing already have growing brand recognition among Indian enthusiasts. A home Grand Prix would significantly enhance customer engagement.

India targets the return of Formula One by 2028, with the government initiating efforts to revive the Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit.

Auto Punditz Take

The government's latest initiative is the strongest indication yet that India is serious about bringing Formula One back after more than a decade.

Unlike previous attempts, this effort appears focused on fixing the structural issues—particularly taxation, regulation and governance—that previously derailed the Indian Grand Prix.

If policymakers, Formula One Management and private investors can align on a sustainable commercial model, India could once again become part of the Formula One calendar by 2028.

For an automotive market that is rapidly moving up the global value chain, the return of Formula One would represent much more than a sporting event—it would be a statement that India is ready to play a larger role in the global automotive ecosystem.