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'Better late than never': Why did F1 leave India, and why is it back on the agenda?
Sentiment: NeutralHigh Priority
What Happened?
After a 13-year hiatus, India's government is exploring the return of Formula 1, led by a new task force. The previous departure was due to tax disputes and regulatory challenges.
Key points
- Sebastian Vettel won the last Indian Grand Prix in 2013, sealing his fourth championship.
- The Indian Grand Prix was held from 2011 to 2013 before being suspended due to a tax dispute.
- The Supreme Court ruled in 2017 that Formula 1's commercial rights company had a taxable presence in India.
- The Sports Ministry has formed a task force to assess the feasibility of hosting a Formula 1 race by 2028.
- The Indian fanbase for Formula 1 grew to 98 million by mid-2026, up from 79 million in late 2025.
- The task force will review past challenges and propose solutions for a sustainable return of Formula 1.
Key insights
- A successful return of Formula 1 could create economic opportunities in tourism and infrastructure.
- The task force's findings may lead to significant changes in India's approach to international motorsport.
- Increased fan engagement through digital platforms suggests a growing market for motorsports in India.
Why it matters
The revival of Formula 1 could enhance India's global sporting profile and boost tourism.
Tags
Entities
Sebastian Vettel· PersonBuddh International Circuit· LocationNITI Aayog· OrganizationFMSCI· OrganizationLiberty Media· CompanyMansukh Mandaviya· Person
Source
Times of India
