Sports Ministry aims to revive Formula One Indian Grand Prix

The Sports Ministry is working to try and bring Formula One back to India amidst consultations with all concerned parties.

Ministry sources on Monday confirmed that Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has already visited the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida and held talks with officials. The Indian Grand Prix was held for three years from 2011-13 before tax issues forced it off the calendar.

“The Sports Minister visited the Buddh International Circuit last week and held discussions on when the event could be restarted. He has told the owners to identify an event management company and let them handle things for the next two to three years. Once things start moving, tax issues will also be resolved,” sources said.

The BIC was created and owned by Jaypee Group before its licence was cancelled and taken over by the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority. The Jaypee Group is currently involved in corporate insolvency issues in court.

It would not be easy, however, with an already packed calendar of 24 races – an average of two per month – and growing interest from more countries. The circuit, however, has hosted other events, including the MotoGP in 2023 (which was also discontinued for similar reasons), the Asia Road Racing Championships (2016) and a few domestic events like the Prima Truck Racing Championship (2014-17).

Operational readiness

The Sports Minister has asserted that India has displayed “operational readiness” for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympics by hosting 45 international competitions across 20 disciplines in the last year. He cited endorsements from several international federations, including the International Paralympic Committee, International Cycling Union and World Boxing.