India sets up a multi-stakeholder task force to revive and develop motorsports, address taxation and infrastructure challenges, and assess the feasibility of hosting a Formula One Grand Prix in 2028. India has moved a step closer to exploring the return of Formula One, with a dedicated task force constituted to examine the revival and long-term development of motorsports in the country. The panel has been given a wide-ranging mandate covering policy, taxation, infrastructure, investment, tourism and operational challenges, with one major target on the table: assessing the feasibility of hosting a Formula One Grand Prix in India in 2028. The move signals a structured attempt to build a sustainable motorsports ecosystem rather than treating the return of Formula One as a standalone sporting event.
Task Force to Examine India’s Motorsports Ecosystem
The newly constituted task force will undertake a comprehensive assessment of India’s motorsports ecosystem and review the challenges that have affected the revival and development of motorsport events. Importantly, its mandate specifically includes taxation-related issues, indicating that regulatory and fiscal concerns will form part of the assessment. The panel has also been asked to identify policy interventions required for the sustainable growth of motorsports and prepare a holistic, coordinated roadmap for the sector. This broader approach places Formula One within a larger effort to strengthen motorsports in India.
2028 Formula One Grand Prix Feasibility to Be Assessed
The clearest indication of the government’s ambition is the inclusion of 2028 Formula One Grand Prix feasibility in the task force’s terms of reference. The panel will assess whether the conditions required to host a major international motorsport event can be established by 2028. The document does not announce a confirmed Grand Prix or commit India to hosting an F1 race in that year; instead, it calls for a detailed feasibility assessment. The assessment is therefore expected to determine what needs to be addressed before any decision on a potential Formula One return.
Taxation and Policy Challenges in Focus
Taxation is one of the specific challenges identified for examination. The task force is expected to look at the broader policy environment affecting motorsport events and recommend interventions that can support sustainable growth. Its mandate includes developing a comprehensive motorsports policy framework, including the possibility of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.
The inclusion of government departments dealing with revenue and taxation brings these issues directly into the task-force process.
Economic and Tourism Benefits Under Review
The panel will also assess the wider benefits that large motorsport events can bring to India. Its terms of reference require an assessment of the international, economic, tourism and investment benefits of hosting major motorsport events. It will also identify key priorities, infrastructure requirements and operational needs necessary for sustainable development.
This means the proposed exercise will examine the potential impact of motorsport beyond the racetrack, including its broader contribution to tourism, investment and India’s international sporting profile.
Multi-Ministry and State-Level Representation
The composition of the task force reflects the cross-sectoral nature of the exercise.
The panel will be chaired by Yugal Kishore Joshi, Project Director (YAS), NITI Aayog. Its members include the Joint Secretary, Department of Sports; Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce; and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism. Representatives from CBIC and CBDT under the Department of Revenue are also part of the task force.
Representatives of the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have also been included. The panel further brings in direct motorsport and circuit-level expertise through representatives from the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) and Madras International Circuit (MIC).
FMSCI and Technical Experts on Board
The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) will be represented by its President or Secretary General, while a technical expert nominated by FMSCI will also be part of the panel. The Chairperson has the flexibility to co-opt additional members depending on requirements. The composition effectively brings policymakers, revenue authorities, tourism and commerce officials, state governments, circuit operators and motorsport experts onto one platform.
From Revival to a Long-Term Motorsports Roadmap
The task force’s mandate goes beyond determining whether India can bring back Formula One. It has been asked to identify policy interventions, assess the country’s motorsports ecosystem, examine infrastructure and operational requirements, evaluate the economic and tourism benefits of major events and recommend a comprehensive policy framework. That makes the initiative significant for the wider Indian motorsport sector as well.
What the 2028 Target Means
India’s previous experience of hosting Formula One at the Buddh International Circuit has kept the possibility of a return alive among motorsport stakeholders and fans. The new task force now provides an institutional framework to examine that possibility.
For now, 2028 is a feasibility target, not a confirmed Formula One race date. The task force’s assessment will determine what policy, infrastructure, taxation and operational measures may be required for India to host a major international motorsport event sustainably. If the necessary roadmap is established, the exercise could potentially lay the foundation for India’s return to the Formula One calendar, while simultaneously giving the country’s broader motorsports ecosystem a more structured policy framework.
