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 appear to be gathering pace. According to a Reuters report, the Government of India is working to address long-standing tax and regulatory challenges, with a potential return of the Indian Grand Prix being targeted for 2028.
The Indian Grand Prix made its debut 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 sustain.
Government sets up task force
The report states that Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently held discussions with multiple stakeholders, including representatives from 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 infrastructure and policy requirements necessary for hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix. The task force will also include representation from India’s tax authorities, while NITI Aayog has been entrusted with coordinating efforts across various government departments to reduce regulatory hurdles.
Adani Group’s role
The Buddh International Circuit is also expected to see changes in ownership. As per the report Adani Group is in the process of taking over the company that previously owned the circuit. While the company declined to comment on the developments, APSEZ Managing Director Karan Adani had earlier stated that he was personally engaged in efforts to bring Formula 1 back to India.
Hosting a Formula 1 race requires much more than a race track. Global standards for infrastructure, logistics, transport connectivity, hospitality, power supply and operational execution play a critical role in securing and successfully organising a Grand Prix weekend.
Formula 1 CEO confirms interest
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali had also recently expressed interest in bringing Formula 1 back to India. Speaking to FanCode last month, Domenicali said Formula 1 has “big interest” in returning to the country but noted that considerable groundwork remains before a race can be added back to the calendar. He emphasised the need to identify the right promoters, establish strong collaboration and determine the appropriate timing, indicating that a return is unlikely in the immediate future.
If current efforts progress as planned, Formula 1 could make its long-awaited return to India in 2028, marking nearly 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 over the coming months and years.
