[BoneCollector]

Will the Formula 1 be back to Buddha International Circuit in coming years after the successful conduct of MotoGP? Well, as per rumours, if all goes well, there are talks to host Formula 1 GP at BIC from 2025.

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If this comes out to be true, it'll be amazing. The race was withdrawn due to levy of entertainment tax by the previous state government which led to the organisers walking out. But this time for MotoGP, there was no such tax and there have been great business opportunities and developments that have happened so let's hope for the Indian GP to make a comeback.

[Dippy]

It would be fantastic to get F1 back in the country but it won't be an easy task. While I have no doubt that we are capable of hosting the race (was pretty impressed when I attended the 1st one in 2011), it will be taxation issues that will have to be sorted because that's what drove away F1 from India in the first place. Hopefully the current govt. is more understanding and will not charge entertainment tax from the F1 circus. The response for MotoGP was encouraging.

Fingers crossed that the race returns. I have hope from the current UP CM.

[mayankk]

Very doubtful. The taxation issues were sorted against JP and FIA in 2017, 4 years after the last event! Some 40% tax.
Dont know what is the status as of now, but someone from JP side informed that the F1 honchos are not predisposed to a return. Maybe the change in the old guard has changed this view, but I think the current management would be even more risk averse.

[Red Liner]

They really dont need to come to India at all. There are enough countries around the world vying for the F1 race to call them home already.

With the number of races already at an all time high, a track will need to be off the calendar for another one to be added. The logistical nightmare of moving entire motor homes and teams every weekend is insane.

Less said about the bottlenecks (customs,visa, logistics,transport) in India the better. That is THE last thing F1 needs.

I would rather fly out to KL or Singapore and watch the race. It will be a much better overall experience.

[ds.raikkonen]

Originally Posted by BoneCollector

Will the Formula 1 be back to Buddha International Circuit in coming years after the successful conduct of MotoGP? Well, as per rumours, if all goes well, there are talks to host Formula 1 GP at BIC from 2025.

If this comes out to be true, it'll be amazing. The race was withdrawn due to levy of entertainment tax by the previous state government which led to the organisers walking out. But this time for MotoGP, there was no such tax and there have been great business opportunities and developments that have happened so let's hope for the Indian GP to make a comeback.

Absolutely, its a different 'Bharat' now as compared to 2011. Then the weekend attendance of 112,000 during the MotoGP weekend as compared to inaugural F1 event's 97,000, though its a gap of 12 years and social media is much more wide spread and people are far more connected.

The only concern is the non-race day attendance, which was 1/2 for the MotoGP weekend. I am assuming this contingent will continue to come over every race weekend in the coming years. For MotoGP, it was 17,000-36,000-58,000 approx so roughly half the attendance came on Sun only for the race, probably Sat due to Sprint race. Only existing fans came on Fri. Perhaps F1 can consider a Sprit race on Sat in India as well, it is an important market and I am sure Liberty Media wants to check it out.

Hoping for 2 race weekends in a year at the Budhh Int'l Circuit in 2025

[ninjatalli]

Highly doubtful and pretty much a rumor only, I'd say. There are more venues up for grabs than races possible in a year and currently the F1 governing body is looking at venues that fall into two groups

1. Racing venues that have history and are unavoidable (e.g. Monaco, Silverstone, etc.)
2. Racing venues that showcase a heavy monetary influx - either from the hosting nation or with regards to interest from viewers & sponsorships (e.g. Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Las Vegas)

India is in neither. Plus the baggage of (past) taxation and other issues.

[Sidjohri]

It is highly unlikely that F1 could make a comeback in India as early as 2025. There are many issues to sort out. First and foremost the Government authorities have to recognise F1 as a sport and tax it accordingly - not like any other entertainment platform, which would invite significantly higher, unsustainable taxation. Secondly television / OTT broadcast services, which have remained suspended since the beginning of the 2023 season, have to resume at the earliest. People not being able to watch F1 on mass platforms would translate into lowering interest and corresponding event footfall (if F1 was to ever make a comeback here at all).

[Toni]

Originally Posted by BoneCollector

If this comes out to be true, it'll be amazing. The race was withdrawn due to levy of entertainment tax by the previous state government which led to the organisers walking out. But this time for MotoGP, there was no such tax and there have been great business opportunities and developments that have happened so let's hope for the Indian GP to make a comeback.

Fantastic news I am also eagerly waiting for F1 to comeback to India.

Originally Posted by Dippy

Fingers crossed that the race returns. I have hope from the current UP CM.

If Modi govt. comes back to power in 2024 I am sure they will leave no stones unturned to get FI back to India and as regards to our UP CM the more we say it is less.

[Revvatron]

Right now the focus of F1 is on the American market (hence 3 races in single calendar). With number of races at all time high, doubtful that Indian GP would be a priority for them. Unless they want to replace Moscow GP and increase back the number of races in Asia. Also we would probably be in a waiting list for hosting rights.

[lemedico]

I'd happily have F1 India on my calender, but only if they delete the darn stupid races from 'Murica!
Bring it back! The Moto GP was a fine example of the changed government and the draconian policies. I hope FIA reignites F1 in good ol' Bharat.

[gauravdgr8]

Formula 1 seems to be coming back to India, however this time in Gujrat. As per the article from Rushlane, Sport Authority Gujrat is finalizing a track in the GIFT city Gandhinagar.

[ex-innova-guy]

Originally Posted by gauravdgr8

Formula 1 seems to be coming back to India, however this time in Gujrat. As per the article from Rushlane, Sport Authority Gujrat is finalizing a track in the GIFT city Gandhinagar.

Link to the article. Didn’t know about this and if it does happen then it surely is going to be a game changer. The number of people watching F1 has significantly increased thanks to Drive to Survive. Looking forward to it.

[Thalla]

It would be great but it is unlikely to happen in the next few years at least.