Formula 1 Set for a Comeback? Adani group engages to restart races at Buddh circuit

The Adani Group is actively planning to bring Formula 1 back to India, with the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida as the primary venue. Speaking at the 70th Foundation Day of the All India Management Association (AIMA) , Karan Adani , MD of Adani Cement and Adani Ports & SEZ, said he is personally engaged in efforts to revive motorsport in the country. "I'm very excited... the Buddh circuit comes as part of the deal. I’m personally engaged in bringing Formula 1 back into India," Adani remarked, highlighting India’s growing fan base for the sport and its potential to set a global benchmark for hosting large-scale events.

The Buddh Circuit previously hosted F1 races in 2011, 2012, and 2013, before a tax-related dispute with the Uttar Pradesh government forced a halt. The state had classified the race as entertainment rather than sport , imposing levies that made continuation financially unviable. Reviving Formula 1 in India will require addressing several blockers , including securing the necessary government approvals, tax clearances, and coordination with multiple agencies. The financial demands are also substantial, with hosting fees, infrastructure upkeep, and event logistics posing a significant challenge. Additionally, managing public perception and ensuring the event resonates positively with Indian audiences will be key to avoiding past controversies.

Adani, who has followed Formula 1 since 2000, emphasized the broader benefits of hosting the sport in India, including the opportunity to showcase world-class infrastructure, hospitality, and the nation’s heritage. He noted that Indian fans currently travel abroad to countries like Abu Dhabi and Singapore to experience F1, underlining the untapped domestic potential for such events.

The Adani Group is simultaneously pursuing the acquisition of Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAL) , having won majority lender approval in November 2025 for its Rs 14,535-crore bid. Analysts suggest that the company’s expanding presence in infrastructure and energy could support the financial and logistical requirements of hosting a global sporting event. If realized, the return of Formula 1 to the Buddh Circuit would not only elevate India’s position on the international motorsport stage but also strengthen the country’s profile in organizing high-profile global events.