F1 Rejects India's 2027 Grand Prix Revival Claim

Formula 1 has dismissed claims by India's sports minister that the Indian Grand Prix will return to the calendar in 2027, citing limited slots amid high global interest in hosting events. The Buddh International Circuit near New Delhi, which hosted races from 2011 to 2013, remains the focus of revival efforts, but a series of logistical and financial hurdles continues to complicate the process.

On Monday, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya expressed confidence in hosting a Formula 1 race in 2027 at the Buddh circuit. "There will be an F1 race in India in 2027. First race will be at the Buddha International Circuit," he told reporters during an informal meeting. Mandaviya outlined government plans to address past obstacles, including taxation disputes that treated the event as entertainment rather than sport. These issues previously led to customs duties on team equipment, denial of fee remittances to Formula 1, and lack of exemptions available to other sports. He added that modalities would be finalized within six months through interministerial discussions, with potential reimbursements if full tax repeal proves unfeasible.

A Formula 1 spokesperson countered the timeline,...