NEW DELHI There has been a lot of speculation in India about the return of Formula 1, especially after union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya said they are pushing for the sport's return to the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in 2027.
However, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali clarified that although they are keen on returning, it won't be any time soon.
"There is a big interest from us to return to your country. There are the right things that we need to do — to find back again the right promoters, the right collaboration, and the right timing, which will not be in the very short term," said Domenicali.
The Indian Grand Prix was held at the BIC from 2011 to 2013 before the race ran into tax, administrative and bureaucratic hurdles, prematurely ending its run in India despite a five-year contract.
Today, the F1 calendar is already packed with many more countries showing interest to host the pinnacle of motorsport.
"It is very important to say that we need to feel the interest from all the stakeholders of India because this is a project that, when we reach back to your country, has to be big," Domenicali added.
Reflecting on his experiences in India and the current state of the market, Domenicali described India as a destination with immense potential that will be even more important in the future.
