Government forms task force to accelerate Formula 1 comeback and develop motorsport ecosystem

The Centre has constituted a dedicated task force to strengthen India’s motorsport ecosystem and accelerate efforts to bring Formula 1 racing back to the country, marking a significant step in the government’s attempt to revive premier international motorsport events after a gap of more than a decade. The panel, headed by NITI Aayog’s Yugal Kishore Joshi, will undertake a detailed assessment of the existing motorsport ecosystem and identify the major challenges affecting its development, including taxation-related issues that had previously complicated the hosting of Formula 1 in India.

Roadmap for revival

The task force will examine the infrastructure, economic and operational requirements for staging major international motorsport competitions and assess the potential benefits in areas such as tourism, investment and employment. Its recommendations are expected to help the government develop a broader policy framework for the long-term growth of motorsport, with attention also being given to regional and grassroots racing centres. The government has been working towards bringing Formula 1 back to India by 2028, while officials and the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) have also discussed attracting other major events, including MotoGP and a round of the World Rally Championship.

The latest initiative follows a series of consultations involving the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, FMSCI, Formula 1 representatives and other stakeholders. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has previously said that India possesses significant potential to develop a larger motorsport economy and that the sector could become an important component of the government’s “Play in India” initiative.

Buddh circuit in focus

India hosted the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida for three consecutive years between 2011 and 2013. The event subsequently disappeared from the F1 calendar amid taxation and financial disputes, despite the circuit earning international recognition and the sport developing a sizeable following in the country.

Efforts to revive the Indian Grand Prix have gathered momentum this year, with the government examining ways to address the regulatory, taxation and commercial obstacles that contributed to Formula 1’s exit. FMSCI has also received provisional recognition from the Sports Ministry as a National Sports Federation, strengthening institutional coordination for motorsport development. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has separately indicated that the championship remains interested in returning to India, provided the right promoters, partners and sustainable investment framework are in place.