Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday announced the constitution of a 10‑member Task Force to assess the challenges and feasibility of reviving Formula 1 and the broader motorsports ecosystem in India, with the stated objective of exploring the return of a Grand Prix in 2028.
Panel makeup and mandate
The committee will be chaired by Yugal Kishore Joshi, Programme Director and Adviser at NITI Aayog. It will include the Joint Secretary (Sports), identified as Kunal, and representation from the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), as well as circuit operators including the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) and the Madras International Circuit (MIC). State governments of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra will be represented, and the panel will feature officials from the departments of Tourism, Commerce and the revenue authorities.
The Task Force's remit includes preparing a coordinated roadmap for the revival of Formula 1 in India, assessing infrastructure and operational requirements, examining taxation-related barriers and identifying policy interventions. It will also look at potential Public‑Private Partnership (PPP) models and study the economic, tourism and investment benefits of hosting major motorsport events.
"The Terms of reference of this committee are suggesting comprehensive ways for sustainable growth of motorsports in India, a holistic coordinated roadmap for revival of Formula One so that we can host a race in 2028."
Mr Mandaviya made the announcement at a media interaction in New Delhi. Apart from Mr Joshi and the Joint Secretary, the Minister did not disclose the names of other Task Force members. Reports said the current FMSCI President Arindam Ghosh will feature on the committee, with elections to the federation due during its AGM later this month. The new circuit owners at the Buddh International Circuit — the Adani group — are also expected to have representation.
Key issues on the agenda
Officials said the panel will examine several areas that previously hampered Formula 1 in India, including taxation and bureaucratic hurdles. The Task Force will include officials from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to evaluate fiscal and regulatory constraints.
- Assessment of infrastructure and circuit readiness (BIC, MIC and others).
- Analysis of taxation and customs impediments affecting international motorsport events.
- Recommendations on a national motorsports policy and PPP frameworks.
The committee will also be asked to identify technical expertise required; the FMSCI is expected to nominate a technical expert to the panel to advise on sporting and regulatory standards.
Context and consequences
India last hosted a Formula 1 race at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida in 2013, an edition won by Sebastian Vettel for Red Bull, after which the event was dropped amid taxation and administrative issues. The return of Formula 1 would have implications beyond sport — spanning tourism, foreign investment and infrastructure development — which is why the Task Force will include commerce and tourism representatives and examine international economic benefits.
Formula 1 leadership has acknowledged interest in India but has emphasised the need for suitable investment and stakeholders. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has said the revival "would take the right investment and people for the plan to work out," according to reports.
The formation of the Task Force signals the government's intent to take a structured approach rather than ad‑hoc steps, and the panel's findings could pave the way for policy changes aimed at making India an attractive destination for major global motorsport events.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chair | Yugal Kishore Joshi (NITI Aayog) |
| Members | 10 (includes Joint Secretary Sports, FMSCI, circuit representatives, central tax bodies, state governments) |
| Objective | Assess feasibility of hosting Formula 1 and revive motorsports; target 2028 |
The Task Force's report will be closely watched by circuit owners, event promoters and motorsport stakeholders. Its recommendations will determine whether India can address long‑standing barriers and reclaim a place on the global Formula 1 calendar.
