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Formula 1's Indian Grand Prix Poised for Comeback at Buddh Circuit

Sources from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports suggest the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix could soon make a comeback at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya's recent visit to the circuit signals potential revival plans, with a Japanese company expressing interest in hosting the event. The race was last held from 2011 to 2013, with Sebastian Vettel winning all three editions, but has been absent from the F1 calendar since. While MotoGP has also postponed its return to India until 2025, the potential F1 comeback would mark a major revival for Indian motorsport.

Key Points: F1 Race Could Return to India Soon, Say Sources

  • F1 race could return to Greater Noida
  • Minister visited circuit, signalling revival
  • Japanese company interested in hosting
  • Indian GP last held from 2011-2013
  • Event's organisation is currently in court
2 min read

Formula 1 race could return soon in India: Sources

Sources indicate the Indian Grand Prix may soon return to the Buddh International Circuit, with a Japanese firm showing interest in hosting the event.

"the Indian Grand Prix will not take place in 2024, with MotoGP postponing its return to the country to early 2025 - International Motorcycling Federation"

New Delhi, February 2

The Formula 1 race in Greater Noida could soon make a comeback, according to sources from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently visited the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, signalling potential plans to revive the Indian Grand Prix.

With the organisation of the Indian Grand Prix case currently in court, Mansukh Mandaviya has suggested handing the organisation of the Formula One race to an event company until a decision is made. A Japanese company has expressed interest in hosting the event, according to MYAS sources.

The Indian Grand Prix was previously held at the Buddh International Circuit from 2011 to 2013, with Germany's Sebastian Vettel winning all three editions for Red Bull Racing.

The inaugural race, held on 30 October 2011 as the 17th round of the 2011 F1 season, also saw Vettel emerge victorious. However, the Grand Prix has not returned to the Formula One calendar since 2013.

In addition to Formula 1, India hosted a MotoGP round in September 2023 at Buddh International Circuit. However, the races have not returned since either. The Indian MotoGP Indian Grand Prix was dropped from the 2025 racing calendar, with the International Motorcycling Federation announcing that "the Indian Grand Prix will not take place in 2024, with MotoGP postponing its return to the country to early 2025 due to operational considerations."

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 was the most recent edition of the Formula One races, with Max Verstappen emerging as the winner. Verstappen also won the Qatar and Las Vegas editions of the F1 Grand Prix 2025 season. Overall, Verstappen won 8 races in the 2025 F1 calendar.

Looking ahead, the 2026 Formula One season will begin with testing races in Bahrain from February 11, followed by Round 1 in Australia from March 6 to 8. Subsequent races will take place in China and Japan before the calendar moves on to other international venues. The potential return of Formula 1 to India could mark a major revival for motorsport fans in the country.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I love the idea, we need to be practical. Look at MotoGP - it came and went. We have to ensure proper long-term planning, not just a one-off event. The infrastructure and fan experience need to be world-class to make it sustainable.
R
Rohit P
As a motorsport fan from Delhi, I still have memories of the Vettel era at BIC. The atmosphere was unbelievable. If it returns, I'm booking my tickets the minute they go on sale. Fingers crossed!
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see a Japanese company is interested. International collaboration could be the key to making this work smoothly. Hope they learn from the operational issues that affected MotoGP's scheduling.
V
Vikram M
The government should focus on resolving the court case first. Handing it to an event company is a good temporary fix, but we need a permanent, clear solution. Let's not have another false start.
K
Karthik V
This would be huge for young Indian racing talent. Seeing F1 live inspires the next generation. We have drivers like Kush Maini coming up - having a home Grand Prix could boost the entire motorsport ecosystem here.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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