Paul di Resta, a driver from Great Britain, participated in the Indian Grand Prix on October 27, 2013, representing the Force India Formula One Team. This race was part of the Formula 1 World Championship, which aims to expand its global reach. In the past, the Indian Grand Prix was held at the Buddh International Circuit near Delhi from 2011 to 2013. Unfortunately, due to a dispute over taxes, the race was removed from the Formula 1 calendar. The Indian government imposed taxes on the event, leading to a range of logistical, financial, and bureaucratic challenges that ultimately resulted in the suspension of the Indian GP. However, recent reports suggest that Formula 1 and Formula One Management (FOM) are interested in returning to India in the near future. FOM aims to increase the number of races on the Formula 1 calendar to generate profit from various regions around the world, including Miami, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. India, with its status as the world’s fifth-largest economy and a population of over 1.43 billion, presents an enticing opportunity for FOM. The successful debut of MotoGP’s Indian GP at the Buddh circuit has reignited interest in motorsport in the region. Despite these positive developments, there are still challenges hindering the growth of motorsport in India. Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL) is working hard to revitalize the motorsport scene in the country by launching a Formula 4 series and striving to establish a Formula Regional championship. However, RPPL has encountered obstacles along the way.
The ill-fated Hyderabad E-Prix was a result of RPPL, but after its 2023 debut, Formula E had to end its multi-year agreement with the city due to the failure of the newly elected Government of Telangana to uphold its Host City Agreement signed on 30 October 2023.
That decision came just weeks before a February 10 race was scheduled and has left a seven-week gap in the 2024 Formula E calendar.
Despite the unfortunate cancellation of the Hyderabad event, its first running proved beneficial for the region, generating $84 million for the area and was made possible with strong support from the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India.
RPPL then faced another setback due to natural circumstances during its planned introduction of a Formula 4 night race on a new 2.3-mile street circuit in the city of Chennai’s Island Grounds.
The event, originally planned for December 09-10, was postponed for a year after Cyclone Michaung caused heavy flooding in Chennai on December 03 and 04.
Chennai’s street race was the result of an agreement between RPPL, the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, and the Greater Chennai Corporation. However, following the postponement, the High Madras Court ruled on Monday, February 19 that RPPL must reimburse $5 million to the state government and pay an additional $3.6 million over the next two years to ensure the race can still proceed.
FOM also faces obstacles if it wants to solidify plans for an Indian Grand Prix.
The 2024 F1 calendar already has a record 24 races, with the current agreement limiting the calendar to a maximum of 25 races.
There is increasing interest in races in Chicago, Turkey, and South Africa, and the addition of interest in India means that FOM may need to expand the 25 race limit in the next agreement.
This raises financial issues between FOM and FIA, two parties that have been in constant disagreement recently.
However, it’s not all negative regarding a potential Indian GP comeback.
In January, reports stated that the Gujarat Sports Authority was exploring its own F1 project with a feasibility study in GIFT City to determine if an event could be prepared in time for 2028.
Only time will tell if F1 and India can fulfill their mutual interest.