Formula 1 could be on its way back to India. The Adani Group is actively working on strategies to restart the sport at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, with Karan Adani confirming his personal involvement in reviving the race on Indian soil.
The development comes as the Adani Group looks to acquire Jaiprakash Associates Ltd, the flagship company of the Jaypee Group, with the Buddh International Circuit forming part of that deal.
In November 2025, the group won the majority of lenders’ votes for the takeover of the debt-laden company. Its Rs 14,535-crore acquisition proposal edged out rival bidders on the back of a higher upfront payment.
Speaking at the 70th Foundation Day of the All India Management Association in New Delhi on Saturday, Adani made no secret of his enthusiasm.
“I’m very personally engaged in terms of bringing Formula 1 back into India. I think India has a lot of potential. There’s a lot of following in Formula 1 from India,” said Adani as quoted by PTI, who serves as Director of Adani Cement and MD of Adani Ports & SEZ.
The signs from the government side are equally encouraging. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently visited the Buddh Circuit and held talks with officials from the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority, signalling that F1’s return is gathering momentum at the highest levels.
Adani, who has been following the sport since 2000, believes India is more than ready to host a race of this magnitude. “The reputation of India and Indians has improved very, very significantly. I do believe that India can really showcase Formula 1 and can be a benchmark for a global event,” he said.
He also pointed out that the lack of exposure to such sports forces fans to travel to destinations like Abu Dhabi or Singapore to experience the spectacle firsthand. Restarting Formula 1, he added, would offer a chance to showcase not just India’s infrastructure, but its hospitality and heritage on a global stage.
Formula 1 was last held in India across three consecutive editions in 2011, 2012 and 2013 at the Buddh Circuit. It was brought to a halt after a tax dispute with the Uttar Pradesh government, which classified the event as entertainment rather than sport.
With the Adani Group now in the picture, there is renewed hope that India’s wait for a Formula 1 return may finally be nearing its end.
