Formula 1 return to India nears as FMSCI gets key government nod

India's Formula 1 ambitions received a major boost after the Sports Ministry granted provisional NSF recognition to FMSCI. The move strengthens the governing body's role as the government targets an F1 return by 2028.India's Formula One fanbase has surged to 98 million supporters. (Photo: Reuters)Formula 1's long-awaited return to India has moved a step closer after the Sports Ministry granted provisional recognition to the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) as a National Sports Federation (NSF). The decision is expected to strengthen coordination between the government and the country's governing body for motorsport as efforts intensify to bring F1 back by 2028.The recognition comes more than a month after the Chennai-based FMSCI applied for NSF status and follows a series of discussions with the Sports Ministry over the roadmap for developing motorsport in India and reviving Formula 1.In an order issued on July 23, the Sports Ministry confirmed that FMSCI had been granted provisional recognition, while directing the federation to align its constitution with the provisions of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025."...the request of Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) for provisional recognition as National Sports Federation (NSF) has been considered and it has been decided to grant provisional recognition to FMSCI as an NSF with effect from the date of issue of this letter," the Ministry said. The ministry also made it clear that the recognition would remain conditional on compliance with governance, financial and anti-doping norms.The Sports Ministry said the recognition could be withdrawn if the federation fails to comply with guidelines relating to financial probity, governance standards, anti-doping regulations or if any misrepresentation of facts comes to light. The recognition is expected to give FMSCI a greater role in shaping the future of motorsport in India as the government works towards attracting Formula 1 back to the country after more than a decade.F1 RETURN PLANS GAIN MOMENTUMThe Sports Ministry and FMSCI have been working closely on a roadmap for Formula 1's return, with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya earlier announcing the formation of a dedicated Task Force to examine the feasibility of hosting premier motorsport events in India.The panel will include representatives from the Sports Ministry, FMSCI, the Uttar Pradesh government and the owners of the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. It will assess infrastructure requirements, operational challenges and the economic, tourism and investment opportunities associated with hosting Formula 1 and other major motorsport events. Mandaviya has publicly stated his ambition of bringing Formula 1 back to India by 2028.INDIA'S GROWING F1 FANBASEIndia hosted Formula 1 races at the Buddh International Circuit between 2011 and 2013 before the event disappeared from the calendar because of taxation issues and financial challenges. Since then, discussions over a comeback have resurfaced several times but have failed to materialise.Momentum has grown significantly in recent months as Formula One's popularity continues to soar across the country. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has acknowledged India's growing importance for the championship, although he has stressed that any return would depend on the right commercial investment and local partnerships. According to Formula One, the sport's fanbase in India has jumped from 79 million in December last year to 98 million in less than six months, underlining the market's growing appeal.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Jul 24, 2026 12:11 IST