India’s government is working to bring Formula One back to the country in 2028, more than a decade after the Indian Grand Prix disappeared from the calendar.
The proposed return would take place at the Buddh International Circuit, located outside New Delhi, which hosted India’s three previous Formula One races between 2011 and 2013.
The event was dropped following a series of taxation and regulatory disputes, but the government is now seeking to remove the obstacles which prevented the race from continuing.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has held discussions with key stakeholders, including representatives of India’s motorsport federation and the Adani Group, which is in the process of taking control of the company that previously owned the circuit.
A dedicated task force is expected to be established to examine taxation, regulations, infrastructure and other policy issues affecting the growth of motorsport in India.
The panel will also include representatives from the country’s tax authorities, while India’s leading government policy think tank has been asked to coordinate between the different ministries and reduce administrative delays.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone managing director Karan Adani has already confirmed his personal involvement in attempts to revive the Indian Grand Prix.
Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali has also acknowledged the championship’s strong interest in returning to India, although he warned that significant work remains before an agreement can be reached.
Domenicali said Formula One needs to identify the right promoter, establish effective cooperation and agree on suitable timing, making it unlikely that the race will return in the immediate future.
The Buddh International Circuit was previously won three times by Sebastian Vettel, who dominated all editions of the Indian Grand Prix during Red Bull’s championship-winning era.
A successful return in 2028 would place India back on the Formula One calendar and give the championship renewed access to one of the world’s largest sporting markets.
