Mumbai, April 28, 2026: Formula 1® has strengthened its India engagement strategy with the launch of the country’s first Official F1® Sim Racing Championship in partnership with Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited. The move comes amid rising fan interest in Formula 1® and expanding opportunities in India’s esports sector.
The F1® Sim Racing India Open 2026 will be played on the official F1® 25 game, offering participants nationwide access through PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox. The tournament structure includes online qualifiers, city-based rounds and a national final in Mumbai.
India’s first Formula 1® Driver, Narain Karthikeyan, commented, “India has long been central to global growth story of Formula 1®. With 78.8 million fans and a generation raised on F1® gaming, the time is right to introduce an official, competitive Sim Racing Championship here. Mumbai Falcons are the ideal partner, having invested years in building India’s motorsport pipeline. This initiative is unique, globally exclusive, and will set a new benchmark for talent development.”
“When we founded Mumbai Falcons in 2019, our ambition was to place India firmly on the global motorsport map and build a pipeline for world-class talent. Mumbai Falcons became the first Indian team to win an FIA-accredited international racing Championship. We have also supported the early careers of future Formula 1® stars. Partnering with Formula 1® to bring the F1® Sim Racing India Open 2026 to life is yet another significant initiative in that direction.” said Ameet Gadhoke, Managing Director, Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited.