Sports Minister Mandaviya leads push for F1 revival in India

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has taken another step towards reviving Formula One racing in India by holding discussions with officials of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) to develop a long-term roadmap for the sport in the country.

The meeting, held recently in the national capital, focused on building a structured framework to create a “strong pipeline” of drivers, engineers, and technicians to strengthen India’s motorsport ecosystem.

Senior officials including Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao, Joint Secretary (Sports) Kunal, and FMSCI council member Vicky Chandhok were present during the discussions.

The deliberations come amid renewed efforts by the government to bring top-tier international motorsport events back to India. As part of this push, Mandaviya recently visited the Buddh International Circuit, the venue that hosted India’s Indian Grand Prix from 2011 to 2013.

The race was discontinued after three editions due to taxation disputes and logistical challenges, despite attracting global attention and enthusiastic fan support.

Officials said the latest meeting focused on strengthening grassroots motorsport development, improving infrastructure, and exploring policy measures that could support the return of international racing events to the country.

The Sports Ministry and FMSCI are expected to continue consultations with stakeholders to explore the feasibility of hosting Formula One races again and to create opportunities for Indian talent in global motorsport competitions.