Karan Adani Publicly Expresses Intent to Revive Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix at Buddh International Circuit, Now Under Adani Ownership

Adani Group to Explore Formula 1 Return at Buddh International Circuit

Karan Adani, managing director of Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, stated at the 70th Foundation Day of the All India Management Association that the Buddh circuit comes as part of the Jaypee Group deal, and he is personally engaged in bringing Formula 1 back to India.

A Track with Proven Pedigree

The Buddh International Circuit is located in Jaypee Sports City, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The track was officially inaugurated on 18 October 2011 and is 5.125 km long, designed by German racetrack designer Hermann Tilke.

Formula 1 first came to India between 2011-2013 across three seasons, with the Buddh International Circuit serving as home to the championship before being dropped off the calendar. The reception among drivers was positive, with praise for the high-speed layout and challenging corner combinations. The circuit has been often compared by F1 drivers to the classic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

Tax Disputes Halted Earlier Momentum

Tax issues with the Uttar Pradesh state government were among the reasons the premier class championship did not return to India. The state classified Formula One as entertainment rather than sport, and sought to levy higher entertainment taxes on the race versus tax exemptions granted to other sporting events. With the circuit unable to pay F1's sanctioning fees under those tax burdens, the race was dropped after 2013.

Adani's Acquisition and Vision

On 17 March 2026, the National Company Law Tribunal's Allahabad Bench approved Adani Enterprises' ₹14,535 crore (approximately US$1.7 billion) resolution plan for Jaiprakash Associates Limited. JAL was delisted from the NSE and BSE effective 18 June 2026.

Karan Adani stated that India can set benchmarks for global events like Formula 1, and said that India can really showcase Formula 1 and be a benchmark for a global event.

Restarting Formula 1 will provide an opportunity to showcase not just the infrastructure but the hospitality and the heritage of the country.

Long-Term Timeline Expected

While enthusiasm is clearly rising at both the governmental and commercial levels, industry caution suggests that a return is unlikely in the immediate future (2026–2027), with a properly structured return viewed as more probable in the medium term (2028 onward).

Hosting fees for Formula 1 now reportedly range from $70 million to $150 million per race, and circuits are competing for a spot on an already packed F1 calendar.

Broader Context: Adani's Portfolio Beyond Real Estate

Adani Enterprises focuses on developing new business ventures in segments such as green hydrogen, data centers, airports, and roads, and operates a vast network of infrastructure assets including multiple international airports and primary solar manufacturing facilities.

The Buddh International Circuit acquisition marks another entry into sports infrastructure for the Adani Group, complementing its broader portfolio across energy, ports, logistics, and real estate development across major Indian cities including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, and Gurgaon.