India’s hopes of bringing Formula One back to the country have received a significant boost, with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announcing plans to establish a dedicated Task Force to evaluate the feasibility of hosting major motorsport events. The move is aimed at creating a roadmap for the return of Formula One, with the government now targeting 2028 as a realistic timeline for staging a Grand Prix in India.
The development comes amid growing interest in motorsport across the country, with Formula One’s fanbase in India witnessing rapid growth in recent months.
Speaking to select media on Saturday, Mandaviya said the Sports Ministry would soon set up a specialised panel to assess the current state of motorsport in India and identify measures needed for its long-term development.
“The major outcome of the meeting is that the Ministry will constitute a dedicated four-five member Task Force to undertake a detailed assessment of the motorsports ecosystem in the country and examine the challenges associated with its growth,” Mandaviya said as quoted by PTI.
“The Task Force will evaluate the international, economic, tourism, and investment benefits arising from hosting major motorsport 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 the 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 be given three months to submit its findings. The recommendations are expected to shape a broader policy framework for the promotion of motorsport in India.
INDIAN GP BACK IN F1 BY 2028?
Mandaviya said the government’s objective is to create the necessary framework by next year to facilitate the return of Formula One to India by 2028, revising an earlier target of 2027. He also stressed the importance of developing grassroots motorsport infrastructure alongside efforts to attract marquee international events.
“The idea is to have a Formula One race in India by 2028 and for that a necessary framework would be put in place by next year. Special emphasis will be placed on encouraging and supporting regional and grassroots motorsport centres,” he said.
The minister further highlighted the commercial potential of Formula One and its role within the government’s broader sporting ambitions.
“Motorsports will also be positioned as an important component of the Government’s ‘Play in India’ initiative. There is an entire economy that can revolve around F1 and India has tremendous potential because the sport has a massive fanbase,” he added.
India previously hosted Formula One races at the Buddh International Circuit from 2011 to 2013. Despite attracting global attention, the event was eventually dropped from the calendar due to taxation disputes and financial challenges faced by organisers.
The latest push follows a recent meeting involving Formula One officials, representatives of the Buddh International Circuit, the Adani Group, FMSCI officials, young racers and motorsport enthusiasts. Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali has previously acknowledged India’s growing importance as a market for the sport, although he has cautioned that any return would require the right investment and long-term commitment from stakeholders.
The timing appears favourable, given the rapid expansion of Formula One’s audience in India. According to Formula One figures, the country’s fanbase stood at 79 million in December last year and has since surged to 98 million in less than six months, underlining the sport’s increasing popularity and strengthening the case for a return of the Indian Grand Prix.
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