Sports Ministry Forms Task Force to Revive Formula 1 Racing in India by 2028

Key Facts

• The Indian Sports Ministry formed a 10-member Task Force on 15 September 2026 to explore the feasibility of reviving Formula 1 racing and motorsports in India.
• The Task Force is chaired by Yugal Kishore Joshi, Programme Director and Adviser at NITI Aayog.
• Members include officials from the Sports, Commerce, Tourism, Revenue departments, governments of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, and representatives from motorsports organizations including the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India and circuit owners like Buddh International Circuit and Madras International Circuit.
• India last hosted the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix from 2011 to 2013 at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
• Taxation and policy issues were significant barriers that led to the discontinuation of F1 racing in India after 2013.
• The Task Force will assess these challenges and explore policy and partnership models, including Public-Private Partnerships, to revive F1 by 2028.

Background & Context

Formula 1, governed globally by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), is the premier category of single-seater auto racing. India's debut in hosting an F1 Grand Prix took place on 30 October 2011 at the newly constructed Buddh International Circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke, located in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. This circuit hosted the Indian Grand Prix for three consecutive years till 2013.

Despite initial success and acclaim, the Grand Prix was discontinued primarily due to complex and restrictive taxation policies at the central and state levels, which made hosting economically unviable. Recognizing the sport’s potential in promoting tourism, international sporting stature, and economic benefits, the Indian government is aiming for a revival, targeting 2028 for the race's return. The newly formed Task Force's mandate includes identifying barriers, recommending policy frameworks, reviewing infrastructure needs, and exploring sustainable partnership arrangements for motorsports development in India.

Why This Matters for Exams

The initiative reflects key themes in India's sports policy, including government intervention to promote international sports events, cross-sector coordination among ministries, and the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in sports infrastructure.

Understanding this case is important for questions related to India's sports diplomacy, economic development through sports, challenges of hosting global sporting events, and government mechanisms in managing sports policies.

Points to Remember

• The Task Force was formed in September 2026 and comprises members from multiple government departments and motorsport stakeholders.
• Yugal Kishore Joshi of NITI Aayog chairs the panel.
• The Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida was India's first permanent F1 venue and hosted races till 2013.
• Taxation was a key issue that led to the suspension of the Indian Grand Prix after 2013.
• The Task Force explores sustainable models including PPPs for motorsports revival.
• The target year for hosting a revived Formula 1 race in India is 2028.

Practice MCQs

Question 1

1. Yugal Kishore Joshi
2. Mansukh Mandaviya
3. Arindam Ghosh
4. Narain Karthikeyan

Answer: Yugal Kishore Joshi

Question 2

1. 2010
2. 2011
3. 2013
4. 2026

Answer: 2011

Question 3

1. Greater Noida
2. Chennai
3. Bengaluru
4. Mumbai

Answer: Greater Noida