New Delhi: India has renewed its push to bring Formula One racing back to the country after a 13-year hiatus, with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday expressing confidence that motorsport’s premier event could return as early as 2027.“India will have an F1 race at the Buddha International Circuit (BIC) in 2027. The government will help get tax relief. Given the global situation due to the ongoing war, India is seen as a safe and viable venue for sporting events, including F1. We plan to hold a Moto GP event before F1 returns.” Mandalities will take another six months.However, the optimism is not entirely consistent with the current stance of the sport’s world governing body, the FIA, which oversees race regulations, safety and technical rules. In a brief statement, the FIA noted, “While India is a valuable market, we will not be racing there in 2027.”The FIA statement pointed out the complications in the conduct of the race. F1 is jointly managed by the FIA and Liberty Media, which handles commercial rights and promotion. Any withdrawal will require alignment between the two institutions and local stakeholders.Despite the FIA’s current reluctance, there is a potential opening. The provisional 2027 F1 calendar lists 23 races – one short of the traditional 24 – leaving a slot that could be filled if geopolitical or logistical constraints affect other venues.Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) council member Vicky Chandhok said it would actually take a few years for India to host an F1 race given the need for track upgrades and negotiations. According to Chandok, wherever these races take place, they come with a rights fee paid by the host country. “Monaco might be paying only $10 million, Britain might be paying $28 million, Saudi Arabia might be paying $80 million. India may have to pay $40 million.Back-channel talks are ongoing and while 2027 is uncertain, insiders believe 2028 or 2029 could be more realistic targets for F1’s long-awaited return to India. At the center of the proposed renovation is the BIC in Greater Noida, which previously hosted the Indian Grand Prix (GP) from 2011-2013. The event was shut down due to tax disputes and bureaucratic challenges after the authorities classified it as “entertainment”, causing a heavy financial burden.
