Reasons behind dropping Indian Grand Prix at Buddh International Circuit from Formula 1 calendar explained

As of the 2023 season, Formula 1 has raced in 34 nations. There have been numerous classic tracks and locations where drivers have set fast laps, and India was one of them. After signing a five-year contract, the paddock arrived in the country for the first time in 2011, to race at the Buddh International Circuit. F1 did not return, however, after only three races.

The circuit hosted three Formula One races (2011, 2012, and 2013). Sebastian Vettel, who also won his fourth and last world championship in 2013, dominated and won all of the races. He is still the lone winner of the Indian Grand Prix, together with Red Bull as the constructor.

Formula 1 had intended to hold a race in India as early as 1997. However, it was not simple back then due to the sport's lack of popularity, and partly because there were only two permanent tracks in India as of 2003. In 2007, Vijay Mallya, who went on to own his team, Force India, suggested building a street track in New Delhi.

However, following some speculations, it was revealed that the first Indian Grand Prix will be held in 2010 at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. The year was eventually shifted to 2011 due to a mistake in estimating the building timeline.

Why did Formula 1 not return to India?

The Buddh International Circuit was said to be in Delhi. However, it was in the country's National Capital Region and was under the jurisdiction of the Uttar Pradesh Government, one of India's states. Akhilesh Yadav was the state's Chief Minister at the time, and he considered Formula 1 to be entertainment rather than sport, so he taxed it accordingly.

Tax exemptions for sports in the country were thus not extended to F1, and customs duties for engines and tyres were not waived. Because of similar taxation difficulties, F1 declared that the sport will resume in 2015, following a hiatus in 2014. The date was then shifted to 2016, and the event was subsequently cancelled.

Formula 1 has added additional courses like Las Vegas and Qatar. As a result, Indian fans requested the reintroduction of the Grand Prix, particularly when MotoGP announced their presence in India on the Buddh International Circuit. Over the last decade, people's attitudes have shifted dramatically. In his statement welcoming the competition, Yogi Adityanath, the state's current Chief Minister, referred to MotoGP as a sport.