India’s Motorsport Odyssey: Echoes of the Past and Whispers of the Future
The indelible marks etched onto the Buddh International Circuit remain vivid even after a decade has passed since Formula 1 last graced Indian tracks.
While the resurgence of international motorsport in India has seen it host a Formula E race in Hyderabad and a thrilling MotoGP weekend, the abrupt cancellation of the 2024 Hyderabad E-Prix has cast shadows over the nation’s dedication to staging international racing spectacles.
As the dust settles on the E-Prix setback, it is imperative to explore the challenges, achievements, and uncertain future that lie ahead for motorsport enthusiasts in India.
Delving into the cancellation of the race reveals a complex tapestry of challenges. The announcement came earlier this month, sending ripples through the motorsport community just before the season’s anticipated kick-off.
Talks broke down following an alleged breach of the host city agreement by the newly-elected Telangana government. The echoes of this cancellation resonate eerily with what transpired in the Formula 1 scenario in India.
The abrupt exit of Formula 1 from the Indian racing calendar in 2013 was made after the decision to withdraw the entertainment tax exemption by the Uttar Pradesh government. This parallel emphasises the recurring challenges that motorsport faces in India, emphasising the need for stable and supportive governance to ensure the sustained success of international racing events.
Formula E co-founder and chief championship officer, Alberto Longo, told PTI, “Hyderabad is not happening [this year], and it won’t be a candidate for the following seasons either.” However, another Indian city has expressed interest in hosting the electric race. “There was one approach I can’t tell you at this stage. But we will soon be back in India.”
Amidst the challenges, India has celebrated notable achievements in the realm of motorsport. In 2023, the Buddh International Circuit held the first MotoGP Indian Grand Prix.
Despite the need for safety improvements, riders expressed overall satisfaction with the track, echoing Aleix Espargaró’s sentiments: “I think it is much better than what we all expected.” The Indian GP has been confirmed for MotoGP’s 2024 calendar.
Following the success of the MotoGP event, a recent TOI report sheds light on potential rays of hope for Formula 1 racing. Senior officials at the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) have revealed ongoing talks to reintroduce Formula 1 at the Buddh International Circuit in 2025.
This development could be a turning point for motorsport enthusiasts, reigniting the fervour that surrounded the track during the Indian Grand Prix in 2011. The hiatus imposed after the 2013 race, following the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision, left the circuit in a prolonged state of hibernation.
The talks to reintroduce F1 in 2025 hint at a concerted effort to revive the iconic racing venue and stir further excitement about hosting international racing events in India.
Last year was also the inaugural season of the F4 Indian Championship, regulated according to the FIA’s Formula 4 regulations. It is a single-seater junior category, consisting of 15 races over 5 rounds. The series, which was planned to launch in 2022, finally launched in 2023 after being postponed several times.
The triumph of the F4 India series showcased the country’s commitment to nurturing young talent and bringing a stronger motorsport scene to the country. Moreover, India’s diverse terrains have given rise to a burgeoning culture of off-road motorsport, including rallying, adding a thrilling dimension to the motorsport narrative.
Other regional championships outside of India have even seen the rise of an Indian team— Mumbai Falcons—that races in the Formula Regional Middle East Championship and the Formula 4 UAE Championship.
Major Indian brands have played a pivotal role in the motorsport arena too. Mahindra Racing, competing with an Indian licence in Formula E, has been at the forefront of electric racing since the inaugural season of 2014–15.
From the second season, Mahindra developed its own electric powertrain to power its electric racing cars. What’s more, Tata Communications, in a multi-year relationship as the Official Broadcast Distribution Provider to Formula E, has contributed to bringing the live racing experience to viewers globally.
There are also several Indian drivers taking strides internationally. Jehan Daruvala, Arjun Maini, and Kush Maini exemplify the burgeoning talent on the global stage, participating in renowned racing series such as Formula E, DTM, and Formula 2.
Daruvala is currently driving his debut season in Formula E for Maserati MSG Racing. Maini is a Mercedes-AMG driver racing in DTM. His brother, Kush Maini, is part of Alpine’s young drivers’ programme and is set to race his second season in Formula 2 for Invicta Racing.
As we contemplate the journey of motorsport in India, the cancellation of the Hyderabad E-Prix serves as a challenging chapter. However, with the talks of reintroducing Formula 1 in 2025, coupled with the achievements and international strides of Indian drivers, the story is far from over.
The road ahead might be uncertain, but the resilience and passion embedded in the Indian motorsport community paint a promising canvas for the future. As the engines temporarily fall silent, the anticipation for their triumphant roar on both local and global tracks remains undiminished.
