The Indian Sports Ministry has initiated talks to revive the Formula 1 race at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, nearly a decade after it was last held in 2013. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has reportedly visited the circuit and met officials from the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), the state-run body that currently manages the facility following the bankruptcy of the original owner, the Jaypee Group.
Adani Group is reportedly in the process of acquiring the troubled Jaypee Group, a move that could accelerate efforts to bring Formula 1 back to India. The Ministry has emphasized that all stakeholders must coordinate to make the comeback feasible, including resolving lingering tax and bureaucratic hurdles that led to the race’s discontinuation earlier.
The India Grand Prix was previously held for three consecutive seasons from 2011 to 2013, attracting massive crowds and global attention. It was dropped due to high costs and tax-related complications, despite the country already possessing a world-class racing facility capable of hosting international events.
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A ministry source indicated that Minister Mandaviya has asked the track owners to hand over operations to a sports management company for 2–3 years to plan and execute the race’s return. The source also added that tax-related issues are expected to be resolved soon, clearing a key roadblock for hosting Formula 1 in India once again.
Formula 1’s global calendar is now crowded with 24 races, and hosting fees range from USD 20 million to 60 million annually. While several races are supported by government funding—especially in the Middle East—India’s advantage lies in its ready-to-use, high-quality circuit, which reduces the need for costly infrastructure investments.
If successful, the revival of the Indian Grand Prix would not only reinstate India on the Formula 1 map but also boost tourism, international viewership, and domestic motorsport development. Stakeholders are optimistic that with government backing and private sector participation, the iconic race could return to Indian soil within the next few years.
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