India's Ambitious Plans to Revive Formula One Racing

India is making strides to potentially revive Formula One racing, with a government task force assessing the feasibility of hosting a Grand Prix. This initiative aims to enhance the motorsports ecosystem, addressing challenges and exploring economic benefits. The task force, led by NITI Aayog, will evaluate infrastructure needs and propose public-private partnerships. The historical context includes the Indian Grand Prix held from 2011 to 2013, where Sebastian Vettel dominated. With plans to bring back Formula One by 2030, the focus is on developing Indian talent and strengthening the motorsports framework.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 15, 2026, 22:33 IST

Government Initiative for Formula One Revival

India is taking steps to potentially reintroduce Formula One racing, with the establishment of a task force by the government under NITI Aayog. This group is tasked with evaluating the feasibility of hosting a Formula One Grand Prix and creating a strategic plan for enhancing the motorsports landscape in the country.

The newly formed Task Force will investigate various challenges impacting the motorsports sector, including taxation issues, and will propose strategies for sustainable growth in this field.

Additionally, the task force will assess the economic, tourism, and investment advantages of hosting motorsport events, while pinpointing essential priorities, infrastructure needs, and operational requirements.

It will also look into the necessity for a comprehensive policy framework and suggest appropriate Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to foster the development of motorsports in India.

Composition of the Task Force

Task Force Composition

The task force is led by Yugal Kishore Joshi, PD (YAS) at NITI Aayog. Its members include Kunal, Joint Secretary from the Department of Sports; Joint Secretary from the Department of Commerce; Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Tourism; representatives from CBIC and CBDT under the Department of Revenue; officials from the Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra State Governments; representatives from Buddh International Circuit (BIC) and Madras International Circuit (MIC); the President/Secretary General of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI); a technical expert nominated by FMSCI; and any additional members appointed by the chairperson as needed.

Historical Context and Revival Efforts

Revival Efforts and Historical Context

This initiative comes as the government considers the possibility of reviving Formula One at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida, nearly 13 years after the last Indian Grand Prix took place there. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has previously visited the BIC, hinting at plans to bring back the Indian Grand Prix.

The Indian Grand Prix was hosted at the BIC from 2011 to 2013, with Sebastian Vettel from Germany winning all three races for Red Bull Racing. The inaugural event occurred on October 30, 2011, as part of the 2011 Formula One season, where Vettel claimed victory.

Since 2013, Formula One has not featured in the Indian racing calendar. However, India did host a MotoGP event at the BIC in September 2023, although it has not returned since.

Earlier this year, FMSCI President Arindam Ghosh met with the Sports Ministry in New Delhi, stating that efforts are in progress to bring Formula 1 back to India by 2030, along with a round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) and MotoGP by 2028.

During the FMSCI Annual Awards, Ghosh remarked, "The discussions with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State Raksha Khadse, senior officials, and potential stakeholders in New Delhi focused on the return of F1, MotoGP, and a WRC round to India."

He emphasized the importance of developing Indian drivers and enhancing the overall motorsports framework in the country, noting that the FMSCI's recommendations were positively received.

India's Formula One Legacy

India's F1 Legacy: Force India

The only official Formula One team from India was the Force India F1 Team, which participated in the sport from 2008 to 2018 under an Indian license.

Force India took part in 212 races during its tenure and achieved significant milestones, including a pole position and several podium finishes.

Team Milestones and Key Drivers

Sergio Pérez was a prominent driver for the team, racing from 2014 to 2018. He accumulated 400 points, achieved five podium finishes, and participated in 99 races with Force India.

The team's best performance was at the 2009 Belgian Grand Prix, where Giancarlo Fisichella finished second and secured Force India's first pole position.

Overall, Force India achieved six podium finishes, with Pérez contributing five and Fisichella one. The team reached its highest constructors' championship position by finishing fourth in both 2016 and 2017.

Indian Representation in Formula One

Indian Drivers in Formula One

India's journey in Formula One also included drivers Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok, who represented the nation on the global motorsport stage.

Narain Karthikeyan made history as India's first Formula One driver, debuting in 2005 with the Jordan team and later racing for HRT in the 2011 and 2012 seasons, where he earned five championship points.

Karun Chandhok followed as the second Indian driver, debuting in 2010 with HRT and later competing in a single race for Lotus in 2011.

Both drivers played a crucial role in enhancing India's presence in Formula One and contributed to the growth and visibility of motorsports in the country.

With the government now evaluating the feasibility of reintroducing Formula One to India, the emphasis is on strengthening the motorsports ecosystem, improving infrastructure, and creating opportunities for Indian talent to compete on a global scale.