The Sports Ministry is keen to bring Formula 1 back to the Buddh International Circuit in the near future and has initiated discussions to revive the iconic track. Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya recently visited the circuit and held talks with officials to explore the feasibility of hosting races again.

The track, which hosted the Indian Grand Prix for three seasons from 2011 to 2013, was dropped from the Formula 1 calendar due to tax disputes and bureaucratic hurdles. “The minister visited the F1 track last week and held discussions. He has conveyed that the track should be reused and will make all efforts to revive it,” a Sports Ministry source said.

Dr Mandaviya also dismissed claims that India is not prepared to host major global sporting events, amid growing criticism over the country’s sporting infrastructure.

India has hosted nearly 45 international competitions across more than 20 disciplines in the last year. This clearly demonstrates India’s preparedness,” he said.

The renewed push to bring Formula 1 back to India comes as the government looks to strengthen the country’s global sporting profile and leverage large-scale international events to boost tourism, infrastructure development, and private investment in sports.