Formula 1 launches Sim Racing India Open in partnership with Mumbai Falcons

Formula 1 has joined forces with racing team Mumbai Falcons to launch the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026, a championship designed to attract and nurture talent across the country via the official F1 game.

With India representing one of the sport’s largest audiences, the programme will aim to create an accessible entry point for gamers and aspiring racers to showcase their skills in a national sim racing format on the F1 25 game.

Once competitors have registered, they will take part in time trials and online qualification rounds, battle for position on the leaderboard and have the unique opportunity to progress to national-level finals.

The combination of competitive gaming, structured leaderboards and national participation is expected to give existing audiences a greater platform to engage with F1, as well as introducing more fans to the sport.

“India has an incredibly passionate and fast-growing Formula 1 fan base, and the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026 is an important step in deepening our relationship with this Audience,” a spokesperson for F1 said.

“Through this programme, we want to create a credible, competitive and accessible platform that allows fans and young talent across India to engage with Formula 1 in a more direct and meaningful way.

“Mumbai Falcons bring strong motorsport experience and a clear understanding of talent development in India, making them the right partners to help deliver this initiative.”

Competing internationally since 2019, Mumbai Falcons have an extensive record across karting, Formula 4 and Formula Regional championships, and were the first outfit based in India to win an FIA-accredited international single-seater series.

They will be key in supporting the two categories in the new championship, which are divided into junior participants aged between 8 and 14, and senior participants aged 15 and above.

A spokesperson for the team said: “For Mumbai Falcons, this is a landmark moment. We have always believed that India has the passion, intelligence and competitive spirit required to build a serious motorsport culture.

“With the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026, we now have an official platform that can reach young people across the country and introduce them to Formula 1 through a format that is accessible, measurable and future-facing. We are proud to partner with Formula 1 on this journey and help build the foundations for the next generation of Indian racing talent.”