Will F1 return to India? The Minister of Sports will establish a working group for the revival of sports

India’s hopes of bringing Formula One back to the country got a major boost when Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced plans to set up a dedicated task force to assess the feasibility of hosting major motoring events. The move aims to create a roadmap for the return of Formula 1, with the government now targeting 2028 as a realistic timetable for hosting a Grand Prix in India.

The development comes amid growing interest in motorsport across the country, with the Formula 1 fan base in India seeing rapid growth in recent months.

Speaking to select media on Saturday, Mandaviya said that the sports ministry would soon set up a dedicated panel to assess the current state of motor sports in India and identify measures needed for its long-term development.

“The main outcome of the meeting is that the ministry will set up a dedicated four-five-member task force to conduct a detailed assessment of the motor sports ecosystem in the country and examine the challenges associated with its growth,” Mandaviya was quoted as saying by PTI.

“The Task Force will assess the international, economic, tourism and investment benefits of hosting major motoring events in India. It will also identify key priorities, infrastructure requirements and operational needs necessary for the sustainable development of the sector and submit its recommendations to the Sports Ministry,” he added.

The proposed panel will include representatives from the Sports Ministry, the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), the Uttar Pradesh government and the owners of Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. While Mandaviya did not provide a specific timeline for the process, he indicated that the task force would be formed at the earliest and would have three months to present its findings. These recommendations are expected to shape the broader policy framework for the promotion of motor sports in India. The podium from the 2011 Indian GP – Jenson Button (L), Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso (R), then Red Bull technical director Adrian Newey (2nd L) and Sebastian Vettel (2nd R) (Photo Reuters)

INDIAN GP BACK TO F1 BY 2028?

Mandaviya said the government aims to create the necessary framework by next year to facilitate the return of Formula 1 to India by 2028, revising the earlier target of 2027. He also stressed the importance of developing motorsport infrastructure at the local level along with efforts to attract major international events.

“The idea is to host a Formula One race in India by 2028 and for that the necessary framework should be in place by next year. Special emphasis will be placed on encouraging and supporting regional and local motoring hubs,” he said.

The Minister further highlighted the commercial potential of Formula 1 and its role within the government’s broader sporting ambitions.

“Motorsport will also be positioned as an important part of the government’s ‘Play in India’ initiative. There is an entire economy that can revolve around F1 and India has huge potential as the sport has a huge fan base,” he added.

India previously hosted Formula One races at the Buddh International Circuit between 2011 and 2013. Despite the worldwide attention, the event was eventually dropped from the calendar due to tax disputes and financial problems faced by the organizers.

The latest initiative follows a recent meeting of Formula 1 officials, Buddh International Circuit, Adani Group, FMSCI officials, young racers and motorsport enthusiasts. Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali has previously acknowledged India’s growing importance as a market for the sport, although he warned that any return would require the right investment and long-term commitment from stakeholders.

The timing seems auspicious given the rapid expansion of Formula 1’s audience in India. According to Formula 1 figures, the country’s fan base was 79 million in December last year and has since climbed to 98 million in less than six months, underscoring the sport’s growing popularity and strengthening the case for the return of the Indian Grand Prix.

– The end

Published on:

20 Jun 2026 14:34 IST