Indian Government Forms Task Force to Explore Formula 1 Return by 2028
The Indian Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports established an inter-agency task force in September 2026 to assess a possible Formula 1 return by 2028, an initiative discussed in Mashable India reporting on October 29. The official exploration comes 13 years after India last hosted a world championship round at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. Led by NITI Aayog official Yugal Kishore Joshi, the committee is mandated to evaluate previous operational challenges, assess current venue readiness, and identify policy mechanisms necessary to support premier international motorsport events.
Inter-Agency Task Force and 2028 Timeline
India hosted three consecutive Formula 1 Grands Prix between 2011 and 2013 before the event was discontinued following commercial and legal difficulties. The initial hosting chapter concluded after the 2013 edition, when Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel claimed his third straight win in Greater Noida to seal his fourth world title. Taxation disputes were among the reported difficulties associated with Formula 1's departure, with disagreements regarding how commercial revenues and team operations were classified under domestic tax laws creating complicated fiscal liabilities for foreign participants. Additionally, customs procedures and import duties on specialized vehicles and technical tools complicated international transport logistics. To resolve these historical bottlenecks, the government is reviewing streamlined single-window border clearances to facilitate the movement of racing teams and technical equipment.
The task force will examine possible Public-Private Partnership models for motorsports, according to Drishti IAS.
In 2023, the Buddh International Circuit hosted MotoGP, but the event did not return in subsequent years due to financial issues faced by organizers, according to EVO India.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya constituted a 10-member Task Force to assess the revival of Formula 1 and motorsports in India, according to Drishti IAS.
Historical Regulatory Hurdles and Customs Reforms
Government interest in reviving the race coincides with substantial growth across domestic motorsport viewership. Audience statistics indicate that the domestic following reached 79 million supporters toward the close of 2025, while motorsport leadership under Stefano Domenicali referenced an expanded community of 98 million followers in June 2026. Analysts noted that expanding audience numbers could assist organizers in attracting commercial sponsors, media broadcasters, and corporate partners. While the existing circuit infrastructure in Greater Noida provides a viable foundation, the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile must conduct comprehensive technical inspections to determine whether facility upgrades are required before granting formal homologation.
Viewership Expansion and Venue Readiness
Even if domestic regulatory and commercial agreements are finalized, securing a fixture remains contingent upon global calendar availability. Formula 1 maintains an established championship ceiling of 24 Grands Prix per season, creating competition among prospective host cities. Prospective calendar bids have included Rwanda as a potential host in a future season, while Argentina is also attempting to return to the world championship calendar. Consequently, Indian officials must establish a sustainable financial and promotional model to secure a permanent calendar slot.
According to Drishti IAS, the panel draws members from sports, commerce, tourism, customs and tax authorities, as well as the Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra governments.