Formula 1 has become one of the most talked-about sports globally, experiencing a ginormous surge in popularity over the past few years. The sport’s global fanbase reached 826.5 million in 2024, an increase of nearly 90 million from the previous year alone. India contributes a whopping 60 million followers in the country as of 2025.
This marks a significant increase from earlier figures, such as the 31.1 million enthusiasts recorded in a 2019 Nielsen survey, which already ranked India among the top five countries globally for F1 fans.
But did you know that there was a time when India hosted F1 races on its own land?
Shocking, right? Well, India hosted the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix in Uttar Pradesh, from 2011 to 2013 but it was discontinued after 2013 due to a tax dispute with the Uttar Pradesh government!
The Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix was held at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, from 2011 to 2013. This marked India’s debut on the global F1 calendar, making it the first country in South Asia to host a Formula 1 race. The event was organized by Jaypee Sports International Limited, which had signed a five-year contract with Formula One Management.
The Circuit
- Design & Features: Designed by renowned F1 architect Hermann Tilke, the Buddh International Circuit is 5.125 km (3.185 miles) long, featuring 16 challenging corners, high-speed straights, and significant elevation changes. The facility was praised for its technical complexity and world-class infrastructure, with a spectator capacity exceeding 100,000.
- Cost: The construction cost was approximately ₹2,000 crore (~$400 million).
Race Details and Results
- 2011: The inaugural race took place on October 30, 2011, as the 17th round of the season. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing) dominated, starting from pole, leading every lap, and setting the fastest lap-a “Grand Chelem.” Jenson Button (McLaren) finished second, and Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) was third.
- 2012: Vettel repeated his victory, again showcasing Red Bull’s dominance.
- 2013: Vettel won for the third consecutive time, clinching his fourth consecutive world championship in the process. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) and Romain Grosjean (Lotus) completed the podium.
Unique Moments and Impact
- The Indian Grand Prix attracted global brands, Bollywood celebrities, and political dignitaries, signaling India’s arrival on the international motorsport stage.
- Vettel’s dominance at the circuit was historic; he remains the only driver to have won at Buddh International Circuit, and Red Bull is the only constructor to have taken victory there.
- The 2013 event was particularly notable as Vettel secured his fourth world title in India, celebrating with a memorable display of “donuts” on the circuit.
Challenges and Discontinuation
Despite technical and organizational success, the Indian Grand Prix was discontinued after 2013 due to several factors:
- Taxation: The Indian government classified F1 as “entertainment” rather than “sport,” resulting in high entertainment taxes (up to 60%) and lack of sports incentives. Teams also faced customs delays and complex legal compliance.
- Political/Bureaucratic Issues: Shifting political support and delayed VAT refunds created further hurdles.
- Financial Strain: The Jaypee Group faced financial difficulties, and the high annual hosting fee (~$40 million) became unsustainable in a market dominated by cricket.
The Indian Grand Prix stands as a landmark chapter in F1 history, remembered for its technical brilliance, star-studded events, and the dominance of Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing.
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