Formula 1

Indian Racing Festival Returns to Buddh International Circuit for High-Stakes Weekend

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 28, 2026, 22:11 IST

The Indian Racing Festival makes a landmark return to the Buddh International Circuit, hosting Round 4 of the F4 Indian Championship and Round 2 of the Indian Racing League on October 31 and November 1.

Indian Racing Festival Returns to Buddh International Circuit for High-Stakes Weekend

Motorsport returns to the historic Buddh International Circuit this weekend as the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) brings high-octane action to the Greater Noida venue. After a 13-year hiatus from FIA-level competition at the track, the circuit will host the fourth round of the F4 Indian Championship and the second round of the Indian Racing League (IRL) on October 31 and November 1.

The 5.125-kilometre track, which previously served as the home for the Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix and MotoGP Bharat, is set to provide a challenging backdrop for the 2026 season. For racing enthusiasts in the Delhi-NCR region, the event marks a significant opportunity to witness international-standard competition at a venue deeply embedded in India's modern motorsport history.

F4 Title Race Intensifies at Buddh

The F4 Indian Championship arrives at the Buddh International Circuit following a dramatic third round at the Madras International Circuit. Luviwe Sambudla of Goa Aces JA Racing enters the weekend as the championship leader with 138 points, having secured two victories and a third-place finish in Chennai. Sambudla currently holds a 21-point advantage over Aris Kyriakou of Kichcha's Kings Bengaluru.

Competition remains fierce, with Ntiyiso Mabunda of Speed Demons Delhi demonstrating remarkable consistency by securing second place in all three races during the previous round. Mabunda’s ability to navigate the field was particularly evident in the opening race, where he climbed from 10th on the grid to finish on the podium. Meanwhile, Kolkata Royal Tigers' Aaron Mehta enters the weekend with momentum after winning the third race in Chennai. At 15 years, six months and six days old, Mehta’s victory established him as the youngest winner in the history of the Indian F4 series.

Indian Racing League Gears Up for Round 2

Alongside the F4 action, the Indian Racing League is set for its second round of the 2026 season. Teams and drivers are preparing to tackle the technical demands of the Buddh International Circuit, aiming to improve their standing in the championship table. The combination of the F4 title battle and the ongoing development of the IRL season is expected to provide a competitive weekend of racing. As the drivers take to the track, the focus will be on navigating the circuit's unique layout to secure vital points in the pursuit of the season titles.