Sri Lanka
USA
Canada
India
UK
UAE
More than a decade after Formula 1 last raced on Indian soil, the Indian government is exploring the possibility of bringing the sport back to the country. Discussions are underway to revive motorsport activity at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, the venue that previously hosted the Indian Grand Prix.
Sources indicate that Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently visited the circuit to review its current condition and evaluate its future potential. The track, which opened in 2011, staged three editions of the Indian Grand Prix between 2011 and 2013 before Formula 1 withdrew from India, largely due to disputes related to taxation and financial regulations.
Officials familiar with the matter said the sports ministry is now working on a roadmap to rejuvenate the facility and address the obstacles that previously hindered the event. During his inspection, Mandaviya is believed to have examined the track’s long-term usability and held consultations with representatives from the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), which assumed control of the circuit after the Jaypee Group’s financial collapse.
A source confirmed that the visit was aimed at assessing maintenance requirements and identifying steps needed to make the venue operational again. “The focus is on restarting an underutilised world-class facility. Efforts will also be made to resolve the taxation concerns that affected Formula 1 earlier,” the source said.
Authorities have also begun considering leasing the circuit to event organisers and placing it under the management of a professional sports management company for an initial period of two to three years. This approach is expected to help rebuild India’s motorsport ecosystem and create momentum toward attracting global racing events.
While the Buddh International Circuit last hosted a major international race in September 2023 with the inclusion of Bharat MotoGP on the calendar, the event encountered several logistical and operational difficulties. Issues such as visa delays, shortage of track marshals, and extreme weather conditions disrupted the weekend, forcing organisers to shorten the main race. Eventually, Bharat MotoGP was dropped from the calendar.
Bringing Formula 1 back will not be a simple task. Hosting a Grand Prix requires substantial financial investment, and competition for slots on the F1 calendar is intense, with many nations—particularly in the Middle East—willing to cover the full cost of staging races.
Nevertheless, with its modern infrastructure and renewed government interest, the Buddh International Circuit could once again emerge as a strong candidate. If plans progress successfully, India may yet see the return of Formula 1, reconnecting the country with one of the world’s most prestigious motorsport events.
