India Targets Formula 1 Return by 2028, Sports Ministry Sets Up Task Force: Report
India is aiming to bring Formula 1 racing back to the country by 2028, with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports establishing a dedicated Task Force to pave the way. The ambitious plan involves overcoming past taxation hurdles at the Buddh International Circuit, leveraging the Adani Group's strong interest in acquiring the venue, and fostering.
India is aggressively pursuing the return of Formula 1 racing, setting an ambitious target for a Grand Prix by 2028. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has formed a special Task Force to accelerate these efforts, tasked with assessing the infrastructure, benefits, and challenges associated with hosting such a major international motorsport event. The move signals a renewed governmental commitment to motorsport, more than a decade after the sport's departure from the Indian calendar due to persistent taxation and financial disputes. Lewis Hamilton Wins 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix to Seal First Ferrari Victory.
Driving Forces Behind the Comeback Push
As per ANI, The Task Force's primary objective is to develop a comprehensive policy framework for promoting motorsports in India, with an emphasis on securing an F1 race by 2028. This timeline, however, sees the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) President Arindam Ghosh also indicating efforts for a 2030 F1 return, alongside a 2028 target for MotoGP and World Rally Championship (WRC) rounds.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State Raksha Khadse have been actively involved in high-level discussions with FMSCI and other stakeholders. A key aspect of the government's strategy is to integrate motorsports into the 'Play in India' initiative, aiming to foster talent from grassroots levels to develop Indian drivers, engineers, and technicians capable of competing globally.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has acknowledged India's significant market potential and passionate fanbase, which has reportedly grown to 98 million. However, Domenicali has stressed the need for the “right promoters, the right collaboration, and the right timing,” along with substantial investment for a sustainable return. He had previously stated in April 2026 that F1 would not be racing in India in 2027, clarifying earlier ministerial claims.
The Buddh International Circuit and Adani Group's Role
The likely venue for a potential Indian Grand Prix remains the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. This Hermann Tilke-designed track previously hosted three F1 races from 2011 to 2013 before tax classification issues led to its removal from the calendar.
Significant recent developments include the Adani Group's ongoing efforts to acquire the assets of the debt-ridden Jaypee Group, which built and owned the BIC. Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Cement, has expressed personal engagement in bringing F1 back to India, stating that the Buddh circuit is part of the acquisition deal and highlighting India's potential and strong F1 following. This potential acquisition could be crucial in resolving past financial and ownership complexities that plagued the circuit. India's Kush Maini Triumphs in Barcelona Sprint Race for First F2 Win of 2026 Season.
Key Considerations for India's F1 Return
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Year | 2028 (Sports Ministry), 2030 (FMSCI President for F1, 2028 for MotoGP/WRC) |
| Primary Venue | Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh |
| Key Stakeholders | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, FMSCI, Formula 1 Management, Adani Group |
| Past Hurdle | Taxation issues (F1 classified as entertainment, not sport), leading to high customs fees and lack of exemptions |
| Current Efforts | Government Task Force, policy framework development, tax hurdle removal, grassroots motorsport promotion, Adani Group's potential ownership of BIC |
| F1 Fanbase | Grew to 98 million in India |
With both governmental and significant private sector interest converging, India's path back to the pinnacle of motorsport appears more tangible than in previous years. The success of these renewed efforts will depend heavily on resolving the long-standing regulatory and financial issues that initially led to the Indian Grand Prix's suspension.
The coming years will be critical as the Task Force works to lay the groundwork, aiming to present a compelling and sustainable proposition to Formula 1, truly solidifying India's place on the global motorsport map once again.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 20, 2026 02:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
