Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Meets FMSCI To Push For F1's India Return

Last Updated:March 11, 2026, 13:10 IST

FMSCI has offered to facilitate a meeting between Manshukh Mandaviya and the Formula One management.

In a bid to rejuvenate Formula One in India, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently convened a meeting with the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) to deliberate on a strategy for establishing a robust pipeline of drivers and technicians.

The meeting, held in the national capital, included sports secretary Hari Ranjan Rao, joint secretary for sports Kunal, and FMSCI council member Vicky Chandhok, among others.

Mandaviya’s visit to the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, which hosted F1 races between 2011 and 2013 before being halted due to taxation issues, underscores his commitment to reviving the sport.

“We explored the potential of bringing Formula One and MotoGP to India. The ministry is enthusiastic and clear that, given India’s advancement in technology, it deserves the best sports," Chandhok, who led FMSCI during the last F1 races, commented to PTI.

“They sought to understand the challenges and assess our organisational capabilities. The minister and the ministry are very supportive," he added.

Mandaviya’s intent was further evident in his discussions with the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority about the future of motorsports infrastructure during his circuit visit a few weeks ago.

According to a Sports Ministry source, discussions with the FMSCI delegation centred on creating structured pathways for athletes, engineers, and technical professionals in the sport. The source added that Dr Mandaviya emphasised the need for a comprehensive framework, placing motorsports at the intersection of sports, automotive, and engineering sectors in India.

There are also indications that the FMSCI may arrange a meeting between Mandaviya and the Formula One management, led by former Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali.

India, aiming to become a global sporting hub, has already secured the 2030 Commonwealth Games hosting rights in Ahmedabad, which is also in contention for the 2036 Olympics.

Expanding the range of sports and enhancing high-performance ecosystems are crucial steps, according to ministry sources. During the FMSCI meeting, the minister discussed creating professional racing platforms to provide Indian drivers with more exposure and opportunities.

The ministry source noted that with increased institutional focus and world-class racing infrastructure, motorsports could regain its prominence in India’s sporting landscape. The legendary Narain Karthikeyan, India’s first Formula One driver, raced for Jordan in 2005 and HRT from 2011 to 2012, with a notable fourth-place finish at the US Grand Prix during his debut season. Karun Chandhok became India’s second F1 driver, debuting with HRT in 2010 and racing for Lotus in 2011.

“The revival effort is also being aligned with national sporting priorities. Integrating motorsports within this broader framework could help nurture talent early and create a strong pipeline of drivers, technicians, and motorsport professionals," the source indicated.

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