Formula 1 has responded to statements from the Indian government and ruled out the return of the Indian GP in 2027. The category denied the claim of the country’s Sports Minister, who had guaranteed that the race would return to the calendar with ‘100% certainty’.
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The Indian GP was last held in 2013, when Sebastian Vettel won his fourth and final F1 title. Despite the short stint, with only three editions between 2011 and 2013, the possibility of a return gained momentum again following recent statements from the local government.
Speaking to the press, India’s Sports Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, stated that the race was already confirmed: “There will be a Formula 1 race in India in 2027. This will happen 100%. The first race will be at the Buddh International Circuit,” he declared.
However, Formula 1 was quick to dampen expectations about this. A spokesperson for the category stated that, despite interest in the Indian market, there are no plans for the race to return next year: “While India is a valuable market for the continued growth of Formula 1, with a passionate fan base, we will not be racing there in 2027,” the category representative stated.
Even with the denial, India continues to be seen as an important market for the future of F1. The size of the local automotive industry and the potential audience keep the country as a natural candidate for an eventual return to the calendar.
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According to reports, governments may express interest or ambitions, but hosting a GP involves complex processes. The final decision on the inclusion of a race rests with Formula 1 and the FIA.
The Indian government also cited the global scenario as a factor that could favor a return. According to Mandaviya, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East would increase India’s attractiveness as a host for major sporting events.
“Given the global situation due to the ongoing war with Iran, India is being seen as a safe and viable location for sporting events, including Formula 1. We plan to hold a MotoGP event before the return of F1. The FMSCI is in talks with Formula 1 and we will be facilitators,” the minister stated.
The minister further added that other tracks besides the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) could also host the category: “Not just the BIC, we have good circuits in Chennai and Hyderabad. The government’s role would be to provide infrastructure and handle tax issues,” he added.
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