Sports Ministry Forms Task Force on Formula 1 Revival

The Sports Ministry formed a 10-member Task Force on 15 September 2026 to assess the feasibility of reviving Formula 1 and motorsports in India. The panel will examine policy, taxation, infrastructure, and partnership models linked to a possible Formula 1 race in India by 2028.

Formula 1 in India

Formula 1 is the highest class of single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, or FIA. India last hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2013 at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

Task Force Composition and Mandate

NITI Aayog Programme Director and Adviser Yugal Kishore Joshi will chair the Task Force. The panel includes representatives from the Sports, Commerce, Tourism, and Revenue departments, along with officials from the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. It also includes members linked to the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India, Buddh International Circuit, and Madras International Circuit.

The Task Force will review the main barriers to Formula 1’s return, including taxation-related issues that affected the earlier race in India. It will also identify policy interventions for motorsports growth and examine a comprehensive framework for the sector.

Motorsports Infrastructure in India

The Buddh International Circuit is a permanent racing circuit in Greater Noida and hosted the Indian Grand Prix from 2011 to 2013. The Madras International Circuit, also known as the Madras Motor Race Track, is located near Chennai and is one of India’s major motorsports venues.

Public-Private Partnership, or PPP, is a model in which a government body and a private entity share responsibilities for infrastructure or service delivery. Such models are used in transport, sports infrastructure, and tourism-linked projects in India.

Important Facts for Exams

• Formula 1 is governed globally by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, commonly called the FIA.
• India hosted its first Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix in 2011 at the Buddh International Circuit.
• The Buddh International Circuit is located in Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh.
• Taxation issues were among the major factors linked to Formula 1’s exit from India after 2013.

Policy and Economic Context

The Task Force will assess economic and tourism benefits associated with hosting a Formula 1 race in India. It will also recommend a policy framework for motorsports development and examine possible Public-Private Partnership arrangements.