Revitalizing Motorsport in India: Plans for Formula 1 and More

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in India is taking significant steps to revive major motorsport events, including plans to bring back Formula 1 by 2028. A task force has been established to oversee these efforts, with discussions involving key stakeholders. The recent FMSCI Annual Awards celebrated national champions and recognized international achievements, highlighting the growing motorsport scene in India. This article delves into the initiatives and honors presented at the awards, showcasing the future of motorsports in the country.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 20, 2026, 13:50 IST

Initiatives to Revive Major Motorsport Events in India

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has established a task force aimed at revitalizing motorsports in India, with the goal of reintroducing Formula 1 racing by the end of 2028. An MYAS representative stated, "Our objective is to bring back F1 to India by 2028. To achieve this, we have formed a task force that will oversee motorsport activities in the country and report back to the Ministry."

Recent Developments in Motorsport

On Thursday, Arindam Ghosh, President of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), participated in a meeting with the Sports Ministry in New Delhi. He mentioned that efforts are underway to reintroduce Formula 1 by 2030, along with a round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) and MotoGP by 2028. During the FMSCI Annual Awards ceremony, Ghosh remarked, "The discussions with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State Raksha Khadse, and other key stakeholders were primarily focused on bringing F1, MotoGP, and a WRC round to India." He emphasized the importance of nurturing Indian drivers and enhancing the overall motorsport landscape in the country.

FMSCI Annual Awards: Celebrating Champions

During the Awards Night held in Bengaluru, national champions in motorsports for 2025 were recognized, with 137 trophies awarded across 17 categories, including both two-wheeler and four-wheeler disciplines. Awards were also presented to the winning teams, promoters, and sponsors of the national championships.

Honoring National Champions

The youngest national champion, 9-year-old Arshi Gupta from Delhi Public School, Faridabad, along with Eshanth Vengatesan from Chennai and Bengaluru's Ishaan Madesh, received FIA president's medals for their achievements in national karting.

Special Awards for International Success

FMSCI also acknowledged international accomplishments with special awards. Hyderabad's Naveen Puligilla and Musa Sherif from Kasargod were celebrated for being the first Indian team to achieve a podium finish in the WRC3 class at the World Rally Championship in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Aishwarya Pissay was honored for becoming the first Indian woman to win a round of the FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship (2WRC) in Portugal last year.

At the Asian level, Chennai's Jagathishree Kumaresan received recognition for her third-place finish in the Girls category at the Asian Cup of Circuit Racing in Taiwan, while Muskaan Jubal was awarded gold in the Asia Auto Gymkhana Challenge (AAGC) mixed doubles category. Achintya Mehrotra and Aaruthran Prabhu were also celebrated for their gold medals in the FIA Motorsport Games Gymkhana event and Karting Slalom at the FIA Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship, respectively. Tarushi Vikram was recognized for her two silver medals at the Asia Pacific Motorsport Games in Colombo and AAGC.

Acknowledging Volunteer Contributions

Volunteers were also recognized for their invaluable contributions, with Ashwinkumar Pandit (sporting official), CV Srinath (technical official), and Gautam Shanthappa (marshal) receiving awards for their dedication.