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 expressing confidence on Monday that the premier motorsport event could return as early as 2027.“There will be an F1 race in India in 2027 at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC). The govt will help in getting tax relaxation. Given the global situation due to the ongoing war, India is being seen as a safe and viable venue for sporting events, including F1. We plan to have a Moto GP event before F1 returns. It will take another six months to work out the modalities,” Mandaviya said.However, the optimism is not entirely aligned with the current stance of the sport’s global governing body FIA, which oversees regulations, safety, and technical rules of races. In a brief statement, the FIA noted, “While India is a valuable market, we won’t be racing there in 2027.”FIA’s statement pointed to the complexities involved in organising races. F1 is jointly managed by the FIA and Liberty Media, which handles commercial rights and promotion. Any return would require alignment between both entities and local stakeholders.Despite the FIA’s current reluctance, a potential opening exists. 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 disruptions affect other venues.Vicky Chandhok, a council member of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), said that realistically it will take a few years for India to host an F1 race given the need for track upgrades and negotiations. According to Chandhok, wherever these races take place, it comes down to the rights fee paid by the host country. “Monaco may be paying only $10 million. Britain pays $28 million. Saudi may be paying $80 million. India may have to pay $40 million.”Back channel discussions are ongoing and while 2027 remains uncertain, insiders suggest 2028 or 2029 may be more realistic targets for F1’s longawaited return to India. At the centre of the proposed revival is the BIC in Greater Noida, which previously hosted the Indian Grand Prix (GP) from 2011-2013. The event was discontinued due to tax disputes and bureaucratic challenges after authorities classified it as “entertainment,” leading to heavy financial burdens.
