The government is working to resolve tax and regulatory hurdles, while Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has reiterated F1’s interest in returning to India
More than a decade after the last Indian Grand Prix was held at the Buddh International Circuit, efforts to bring Formula 1 back to India seem to be gaining momentum. According to a Reuters reportThe Indian government is working to resolve long-standing tax and regulatory challenges, with an eye on a possible return of the Indian Grand Prix by 2028.
The Indian Grand Prix began in 2011 and was held for three consecutive years before being dropped from the Formula 1 calendar after the 2013 season. The event was discontinued due to taxation disputes and regulatory issues that made it difficult to maintain.
Government constitutes task force
The report said Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Discussions were held recently with several stakeholders including representatives of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) and prospective circuit owners, Adani Group. A dedicated task force is now expected to be formed to help revive Formula 1 in India.
The panel will reportedly focus on addressing taxation issues, simplifying regulations and evaluating the infrastructure and policy requirements needed to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. The task force will also include representation from India’s tax authorities, while NITI Aayog is tasked with coordinating efforts across various government departments to reduce regulatory hurdles.
Role of Adani Group
Buddh International Circuit is also expected to see a change in ownership. According to the report, Adani Group is in the process of acquiring the company that previously owned the circuit. While the company declined to comment on the developments, APSEZ Managing Director Karan Adani had earlier said that he was personally engaged in efforts to bring Formula 1 back to India.
Hosting a Formula 1 race requires more than a race track. Global standards for infrastructure, logistics, transport connectivity, hospitality, power supply and operational execution play a vital role in conducting a Grand Prix weekend safely and successfully.
Formula 1 CEO confirms interest
Formula 1 Chairman and CEO Stefano Domenicali had also recently expressed interest in bringing Formula 1 back to India. Speaking to FanCode last month, Domenicali said there is “huge interest” in Formula 1 returning to the country, but noted there remains a lot of groundwork to be done before any races can be added back to the calendar. He stressed the need to identify the right promoters, establish strong collaborations and determine appropriate timing, indicating that a comeback is unlikely in the immediate future.
If current efforts proceed as planned, Formula 1 could make its long-awaited return to India in 2028, marking almost 15 years since the last Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit. However, much will depend on how quickly taxation, regulatory and commercial issues can be resolved in the coming months and years.