Formula 1, also known as F1, is the top-tier international racing competition that involves open-wheel, single-seater racing cars and is sanctioned by the Federation Internationale de l’automobile. India, with its large population of young people, is considered by FIA as its biggest market.
Notably, famous personalities like Sachin Tendulkar have been linked to the racing franchise in India, which has led to a lot of anticipation among fans. The rise in the sport's popularity is not a fleeting trend but rather a steady and significant shift in demographics.
With the rise in the youth of India being involved in the sport and special female engagement, India is fuelling a new era of enthusiasm for the sport.
According to a 2019 Nielsen survey, India ranked among the top five countries for F1 fans, boasting a staggering 31.1 million enthusiasts.
Formula 1 Driver turned commentator Karun Chandhok has been highlighting the fact that there has been a jaw-dropping hike of 36% in trackside audiences between 2019 and 2022 proving a point in how India has the insatiable hunger for the adrenaline-pumping races and nail-biting battles that F1 delivers.
The strides that Formula 1 is making in India did not just start today it has indeed been making significant roars since 2005 when Narain Karthikeyan’s entry into Jordan marked India’s debut in the pinnacle of motorsport. The establishment of a new F1 team called the Force India Team in 2008 was a huge milestone and enhanced the existing interest in people’s minds about the sport. The hosting of the Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit from 2011 to 2013 added to the country’s growing influence in the F1 community. These developments made India emerge as a notable cut-throat player in the world of Formula 1.
In February 2023, F1 TV Pro zoomed into the Indian market, tailor-made for enthusiastic racing fans across the country. Offering a turbocharged package, the channel ensures a full-throttle experience by broadcasting all 23 thrilling race weekends, encompassing pulse-pounding practice sessions, nail-biting qualifying rounds, adrenaline-fueled races, and exhilarating F1 Sprint events.
The recent surge in people’s interest in the sport has also pushed the government to take appropriate steps such as - The Buddh International Circuit; workers push themselves to complete the final touches on the Buddh International Circuit, and officials are increasingly optimistic that the upcoming Indian F1 Grand Prix on October 30 will revolutionize the landscape of motor racing in a nation of 1.2 billion where cricket typically dominates the sports scene.
In February 2023, the roar of engines wasn't confined to the cricket stadiums of India; it echoed through the streets of Hyderabad as the country played host to a Formula E Race. As the most populous nation globally, India's significance to the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) couldn't be overstated, especially in a landscape dominated by motorsport giants like Formula 1.
The revival of interest in the country was palpable, with the Formula E Race electrifying the city on a street circuit, bringing the thrill of electric vehicle racing directly to the audience's doorstep and igniting a buzz that reverberated throughout Hyderabad. It was a fusion of adrenaline, celebrity, and sheer electric excitement that left the city spellbound and craving for more as famous personalities like the legendary Sachin Tendulkar and cricketers Deepak Chahar, Shikhar Dhawan, and Yuzvendra Chahal lent their presence to the event.
The 2024 season is expected to be a very exciting one with season has loads of drama and entertaining equation between the drivers. For the latest updates and detailed information on the 2024 Formula 1 racing schedule, including dates, venues, and results, are available on the F1 official website.
Amidst the excitement of hosting the Formula E race, India is gearing up for another historic moment in motorsport: its debut in MotoGP. As the FIA and Formula 1 embark on a journey towards greater inclusivity, India is experiencing a resurgence of its passion for motor racing.
