India’s F1 return push gains government backing, but Formula 1 isn’t convinced: 'We won’t be racing there...'

India’s push to bring Formula 1 back has gained fresh momentum, with the central government showing optimism about its return. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently expressed strong confidence that Formula 1 could return to India soon, even suggesting a possible timeline around 2027.

Mandaviya said the government is actively working to remove the hurdles that forced the sport out of the country in the past, particularly taxation issues. "We will have an F1 race in India very soon. The target is to get a race at the Buddh International Circuit in the next three to six months. It will take another six months for the paperwork," he told the reporters at a press briefing.

“The government will help in getting the tax relaxations that had become a bone of contention so that it is a viable venture for the organisers. Either the tax will be removed or there will be a way to reimburse the tax to the organisers,” he added. This comes after Karan Adani of the Adani Group recently expressed a desire to revive the sport in India.

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The Buddh International Circuit, located in Greater Noida, hosted the Indian Grand Prix from 2011 to 2013. The event was eventually dropped from the F1 calendar due to taxation disputes with the government, with Formula 1 races being classified as entertainment rather than a sport at the time.

F1 gives a reality check

However, despite the government’s confidence, Formula 1 organisers have downplayed the possibility of an immediate return to India. In a statement to Autocar India, F1 clarified that a 2027 comeback is unlikely. They said that organising and delivering races are complex and take time.

"While India remains a key market for Formula 1’s growth, with an amazing passionate fanbase, we won’t be racing there in 2027. Organising and delivering races are complex matters that take time,” F1 Media was quoted as saying.

The last time the Buddh International Circuit hosted a race was the MotoGP Indian Grand Prix in 2023. They pulled out of the country after just one race due to various issues, including delays in visa issuance. Formula E faced similar challenges in India and pulled out after hosting just one race in Hyderabad.