India's central government is actively considering the return of Formula 1 racing after more than a decade, with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently visiting the Buddh International Circuit. Discussions focused on leasing the track to revive the sport amid broader efforts to host global events. The move comes as India prepares for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and eyes the 2036 Olympics.
Formula 1 last raced in India from 2011 to 2013 at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida, but the event was discontinued due to tax disputes with the Uttar Pradesh government. The state classified the championship as entertainment, imposing higher taxes and import duties that made it financially unviable for organizers. The track's original owners, Jaypee Group, declared bankruptcy in June 2024, after which the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) took over operations.
Last week, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited the FIA Grade 1 circuit and held talks with YEIDA officials and promoters. According to a Times of India report, the minister discussed potential timelines for hosting a race and proposed handing over the track to a sports management firm for two to three years to facilitate revival. This initiative aligns with the government's push to attract more international sports championships to India.
India is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad and is bidding for the 2036 Olympics, signaling growing ambitions in global sports. However, challenges persist. Formula 1's calendar already features 24 races annually, leaving limited slots for new venues. India's track record with motorsports has been mixed: Formula E held a single event in Hyderabad in 2023 but has not returned, while MotoGP's debut in September 2023 at BIC led to a 2025-2027 agreement with the Uttar Pradesh government, though no races are scheduled for 2025 or 2026.
Reports also indicate interest from the Adani Group in acquiring the BIC, which could bolster infrastructure efforts. While promising, success will depend on demonstrating long-term commitment to avoid past pitfalls.
