India has moved closer to a return to Formula 1 following a key move by the Sports Ministry

The long-awaited return of Formula 1 to India moved a step closer after the Sports Ministry granted provisional recognition to the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) as a National Sports Federation (NSF). The decision is expected to strengthen coordination between the government and motorsport’s national governing body as efforts to return F1 by 2028 are intensified.

The recognition comes more than a month after the Chennai-based FMSCI applied for NSF status and follows a series of discussions with the sports ministry on a plan to develop motor sports in India and revive Formula One.

In an order issued on July 23, the Ministry of Sports confirmed that the FMSCI had been granted provisional recognition while ordering the federation to bring its constitution in line with the provisions of the National Sports Governance Act 2025.

“…the application of Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) for provisional recognition as National Sports Federation (NSF) has been considered and it has been decided to grant provisional recognition to FMSCI as NSF with effect from the date of issue of this letter,” the ministry said.

The ministry also made it clear that recognition would remain subject to compliance with government, financial and anti-doping norms.

The sports ministry said the recognition can be withdrawn if the federation fails to comply with guidelines regarding financial integrity, governance standards, anti-doping regulations or if any misrepresentation comes to light.

The recognition is expected to give the FMSCI a bigger role in shaping the future of motorsport in India as the government works to lure Formula 1 back to the country after more than a decade.

F1 COMEBACK PLANS GAIN STRENGTH

The Sports Ministry and the FMSCI are working closely on a plan to return to Formula 1, with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya earlier announcing the formation of a dedicated task force to examine the feasibility of hosting the premier motoring event in India.

The panel will include representatives from the Sports Ministry, FMSCI, Uttar Pradesh Government and the owners of Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. It will assess the infrastructure requirements, operational challenges and economic, tourism and investment opportunities associated with hosting Formula 1 and other major motoring events. Mandaviya has publicly stated that he wants to bring Formula One back to India by 2028.

INDIA’S GROWING F1 BASE

India hosted Formula One races at the Buddh International Circuit from 2011 to 2013 before the event dropped from the calendar due to tax issues and financial problems. Since then, discussions of a comeback have surfaced several times, but have failed to materialize.

The momentum has grown significantly in recent months as Formula One’s popularity continues to rise across the country. F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali acknowledged India’s growing importance to the championship, although he stressed that any return would depend on the right commercial investment and local partnerships. According to Formula 1, the sport’s fan base in India jumped from 79 million in December last year to 98 million in less than six months, underscoring the market’s growing appeal.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

Jul 24, 2026 12:11 PM IST