F1 track that cost £240m and fans loved was abandoned after three races and almost auctioned off

A Formula 1 Grand Prix which cost over £240 million to materialise was abandoned after just three races.

Back in 2011, F1 arrived in Noida on the outskirts of Delhi for the first Indian Grand Prix, which took place around the Buddh International Race Circuit.

Then-Red Bull superstar Sebastian Vettel won the race ahead of Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso.

Vettel then won the Indian Grand Prix in both 2012 and 2013 before the race was abruptly taken off the F1 calendar despite having two years left on its contract.

As reported by the BBC, it took more than $400 million (£246 million) to bring the sport of F1 to India.

However, it was suggested at the time by then-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone that the reason behind the cancellation was because 'he could not agree on dates with the Indian organisers'.

Speaking at the time, F1 star Sergio Perez said: "I think Formula 1 is not very popular here. But the interest is growing among the media and the fans.

"India is a very big market for Formula 1 and we should definitely be aiming to come back."

In 2020, it was reported by Rush Lane that the circuit was going to be auctioned off.

The report stated: "Officials of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) intend to issue a global tender to auction the international race circuit."

After winning all three races held at the Buddh International Race Circuit, Vettel described the track as a 'rollercoaster'.

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He said, via The Express: "There is a lot of elevation change around the lap which adds to the fun, from as much as eight per cent downhill and up to 10 per cent uphill.

"It's like a rollercoaster. It really has emerged as one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar for the drivers."

With the 2024 campaign edging ever closer to a close, it is now pretty much set in stone that Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen will clinch his fourth successive title.

If the 27-year-old wins next weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix, it will mean that he will have an unassailable lead over his closest challenger, McLaren driver Lando Norris.

For the 2025 season, the race calendar will have a record equalling 24 Grands Prix, with the first one taking place in March in Australia.