Former F1 Champion Jenson Button Advocates for Formula 1's Return to India
Former World Champion Backs F1's Return To India: 'Real Shame It Was Cancelled'
News 18
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Jenson Button, a former Formula 1 world champion, supports the return of F1 to India, reminiscing about his positive experiences at the Buddh International Circuit. Despite the challenges of high hosting costs and a packed race calendar, Button believes India deserves another chance to host F1 races.
- 01Jenson Button advocates for F1's return to India, citing fond memories of the Buddh International Circuit.
- 02India hosted three F1 races from 2011 to 2013, all won by Sebastian Vettel.
- 03The initial excitement for F1 in India diminished due to tax disputes and logistical issues.
- 04Current F1 calendar is full, making a quick return challenging.
- 05Hosting costs for F1 in India are estimated between ₹180 crore and ₹560 crore annually.
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Jenson Button, the former Formula 1 world champion, has expressed his support for the potential return of Formula 1 to India, emphasizing his positive experiences at the Buddh International Circuit. India hosted its last Grand Prix in 2013 after three races from 2011 to 2013, all dominated by Sebastian Vettel. Button recalls his second-place finish in the inaugural race in 2011 as a highlight for Indian motorsport, describing the track as 'awesome' and expressing disappointment over its cancellation. The initial enthusiasm for F1 in India was met with significant challenges, including tax disputes and bureaucratic hurdles, which ultimately led to its exit. However, Button acknowledges that the current F1 calendar, with 24 races and existing long-term contracts, complicates the feasibility of a quick return. Additionally, hosting costs are substantial, estimated between ₹180 crore (approximately $22 million USD) and ₹560 crore (approximately $67 million USD) annually, further complicating any potential comeback.
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A return of F1 to India could boost local tourism and motorsport interest, creating jobs and economic opportunities.
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