India seeks return to F1
After the three editions held between 2011 and 2013, F1 abandoned India and focused on other markets due to the tax disadvantages involved in organizing a GP at the Buddh International Circuit. The Circus’s interest in the Asian giant has remained unchanged, but the first step must come from India itself. And this step may have arrived today: Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya declared his intention to promote the organization of a Formula 1 race as early as 2027, simplifying the tax obstacles that in 2013 had led to the cancellation of the contract with the GP after three editions.
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In a meeting with the media, Mandaviya said that at least three companies have shown interest in managing the circuit: “There will be an F1 race in India in 2027. The first race will be held at the Buddh International Circuit. The government will help obtain the tax breaks that had become a subject of controversy, so that the initiative is profitable for the organizers. Given the global situation caused by the war in Iran, India is considered a safe and valid venue for sporting events, including F1. The Federation of Indian Automobile Clubs is currently in negotiations with F1, we will act as facilitators“.
An impractical dream
Organizing a race as early as next year is a goal that is difficult to achieve, as Liberty Media has been working on the 2027 calendar in recent months and usually makes it official in the spring. F1 itself has judged this hypothesis impossible: “While India represents a valuable market for the continued growth of F1, with an extraordinary and passionate fan base, we will not be racing there in 2027. Interest in hosting F1 events has never been stronger, and available spots on the calendar are limited“. However, India’s renewed interest and willingness to meet F1’s needs are noteworthy. Furthermore, the Buddh International Circuit, inactive for over a decade due to the financial problems of the promoter Jaypee Group, could benefit from the change in management, with the Adani group finalizing its acquisition.
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It is a market of undoubted interest for F1, which abandoned India because the Asian giant viewed the GP not as a sport but as entertainment, and therefore did not grant any tax exemptions. Mandaviya seemed more open on the subject: “The entertainment tax cannot be completely repealed, but we will try to ensure that refunds are provided to incentivize the project for the organizers. Discussions on this are ongoing, it is an inter-ministerial matter and we are doing our best to make it attractive for Formula 1“. To be more credible, however, the Indian bid should shift the focus beyond 2027 and provide greater guarantees: all the latest major motorsport events organized in the country have encountered logistical problems, to the point that MotoGP and Formula E only raced there in 2023.
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