Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has taken another step in his push to revive Formula 1 in the country, holding a meeting with the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) to discuss a framework that would create a “strong pipeline” of drivers and technicians.
The meeting was held in the state capital recently and was attended by Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao, Joint Secretary (Sports) Kunal and FMSCI Council Member Vicky Chandhok among others.
Read the full story
Mandaviya visited Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, which hosted F1 races from 2011 to 2013 before taxation issues brought the event to an abrupt end.
“We discussed and considered the possibility of bringing Formula 1 and MotoGP to India. The ministry is very enthusiastic and very clear that since India is the most technologically advanced country, the best sports should come here,” Chandhok, who headed the FMSCI when the games were held last time, told PTI.
“They wanted to understand the challenges and wanted to talk to FMSCI and see our organizing skills. The minister and the whole ministry will be very happy to support us,” he added.
Mandaviya’s desire to revive the race was evident when he held discussions with Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority officials on the future of motorsport infrastructure in the country during his visit to the circuit a few weeks ago.
“Discussions (with the FMSCI delegation) focused on creating structured pathways for sportspersons, engineers and technical professionals associated with the sport,” a sports ministry source said.
“Dr. Mandaviya has called for a comprehensive framework that places motorsports at the intersection of sports and the rapidly growing automotive and engineering industries in India,” he added.
Are you looking forward to meeting the F1 bosses?
It is also reliably learned that FMSCI has offered to broker a meeting between Mandaviya and Formula 1 management, led by former Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali.
India is seeking to establish itself as a global sports hub and has already won the rights to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, a city that is also vying to host the 2036 Olympics.
“Expanding the range of sports disciplines and strengthening high-performance ecosystems are key steps,” said a ministry source.
During the meeting with the FMSCI delegation, the minister also discussed the prospect of building professional racing platforms for greater exposure and opportunities for Indian riders.
“With increasing institutional attention and the presence of top-notch racing infrastructure, motor sports can gradually regain prominence in the Indian sporting landscape,” said a source while talking about the minister’s vision.
The iconic Narain Karthikeyan was the first Indian Formula 1 driver, racing for Jordan (2005) and HRT (2011–2012) at the peak of his career. He finished fourth in a depleted US Grand Prix during his debut season.
Karun Chandhok became the country’s second driver at the prestigious circuit, making his debut in 2010 for HRT (2010) before racing for Lotus in 2011.
“The revitalization effort is also in line with national sporting priorities. Integrating motorsport into this wider framework could help nurture early-stage talent and build a strong pool of motorsport drivers, technicians and professionals.”
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
11 March 2026 15:14 IST
