India forms task force to explore Formula 1’s return by 2028
NEW DELHI: The Union Sports Ministry has constituted a multi-stakeholder task force to examine the feasibility of reviving Formula 1 racing in India and to prepare a roadmap for the broader development of motorsports in the country.
The announcement was made by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, with the panel targeting an assessment of the possibility of hosting a Formula 1 race by 2028. The task force is chaired by Yugal Kishore Joshi of NITI Aayog.
Its members include:
•Yugal Kishore Joshi — NITI Aayog, Chairperson
•Joint Secretary — Department of Sports
•Representative — Department of Commerce
•Representative — Ministry of Tourism
•Representative — CBIC
•Representative — CBDT
•Representative — Government of Uttar Pradesh
•Representative — Government of Maharashtra
•Representative — Buddh International Circuit (BIC)
•Representative — Madras International Circuit (MIC)
•Representative — Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI)
•Technical expert — Nominated by FMSCI
•Additional members — May be co-opted by the Chairperson as required
Key Responsibilities of the Task Force
The panel has been mandated to conduct a comprehensive assessment of India’s motorsports ecosystem and identify challenges, with particular attention to taxation issues that have historically affected the viability of major events.
It will also evaluate the international, economic, tourism and investment benefits of hosting large-scale motorsport events, and recommend infrastructure and operational priorities for sustainable growth.
Further, the task force will propose policy interventions, explore a holistic coordinated roadmap for the sector, and examine the potential for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to support long-term development of motorsports in India.
Background of Formula 1 in India
India last hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida between 2011 and 2013. Sebastian Vettel won all three editions of the Indian Grand Prix for Red Bull Racing.
The event has not returned to the F1 calendar since 2013. In more recent years, the circuit hosted a MotoGP round in September 2023, though that series has also not returned subsequently.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had visited the Buddh International Circuit earlier this year, signalling renewed official interest in bringing high-profile motorsport events back to the country.
The constitution of the task force marks a structured governmental effort to address longstanding barriers and assess the practical steps required to restore Formula 1 racing and strengthen the overall motorsports ecosystem in India.
Why Formula 1 Left India
Formula 1 last raced in India at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida in 2013. The event was discontinued primarily due to a combination of commercial and regulatory challenges.
The most significant factor was taxation. Organisers and teams faced high entertainment tax, customs duties on temporary import of cars and equipment, and other levies that substantially increased the cost of staging the race. These tax-related issues made the Indian Grand Prix commercially unviable compared with other venues on the calendar.
In addition, the promoter faced difficulties in securing adequate sponsorship and generating sufficient revenue. Attendance, while initially strong, did not grow enough to offset the high operational costs. Disputes between the circuit owners, promoters and local authorities further complicated the continuation of the event.
As a result, Formula 1 did not renew the contract after the 2013 race, and the Indian Grand Prix has remained off the calendar since then.
What Could Bring Formula 1 Back to India
Several factors will determine whether Formula 1 can return to India in a sustainable manner.
Resolving the long-standing taxation issues remains the most critical requirement. A clearer and more competitive tax framework covering entertainment tax, customs duties on temporary imports, and related levies would significantly improve the commercial viability of hosting a Grand Prix.
The newly constituted government task force is expected to examine these challenges and recommend policy interventions, including possible Public-Private Partnership models.
Supportive recommendations from the panel, followed by concrete policy changes, could create a more favourable environment for promoters and Formula 1.
Upgrading and maintaining world-class infrastructure at existing circuits, particularly the Buddh International Circuit, along with strong commitments on logistics, safety and operational standards, will also be essential.
In addition, securing reliable long-term sponsorship and demonstrating consistent commercial potential will be necessary to convince Formula 1 to add India back to its calendar.
A coordinated approach involving the central government, state authorities, circuit owners and motorsport stakeholders will ultimately decide whether a return, potentially targeted around 2028, becomes realistic.
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