Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has expressed the sport's continued interest in returning to India but clarified that there is no fixed timeline for the event's comeback. Speaking to FanCode, the official F1 broadcaster in India, Domenicali emphasized the need for the right promoters, collaboration, and investment model before a return can be finalized.
India's F1 History
India hosted Formula 1 races from 2011 to 2013 at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. The event was dropped from the calendar due to taxation and financial issues. Domenicali noted that while there is significant interest in returning, a short-term comeback is unlikely. He stated, "When we talk about five years in Formula 1, it seems to be very far away, but it's not. There is not yet a fixed date on which we can really say something."
Potential Return and Investment
The comments mark one of the clearest indications in recent years of F1's continued interest in the Indian market. Domenicali highlighted that a return would require support from all stakeholders and a long-term plan. The Union government has shown interest in bringing F1 back, but staging a race requires major private investment, often running into millions of dollars. The possibility gained attention after the Adani Group acquired assets of the debt-ridden Jaypee Group, including the Buddh International Circuit area.
Expanding Reach in India
Domenicali said Formula 1 is currently focused on expanding its reach in India through FanCode and attracting newer audiences. He spoke about exploring collaborations, including potential projects involving Bollywood. "We are a platform that has moved from only sport to entertainment... India is on our priority list to develop our attention for the future," he explained. He added that F1 is adopting a localized approach, considering India's many languages and dialects to personalize content.
Formula 1's fan base in India has grown significantly, from 79 million fans in December last year to 98 million in less than six months, according to an F1 statement. Domenicali emphasized that the relationship with FanCode is a key step in growing awareness of the sport in the country.
