In a landmark move for India’s motorsport and esports ecosystem, Formula 1 and Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited have announced the launch of India’s first Official F1 Sim Racing Championship — the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026.
The initiative aims to create a structured pathway from virtual racing to professional motorsport, tapping into India’s rapidly growing esports market and massive Formula 1 fan base.
A First-of-Its-Kind Initiative for India
This is the first time Formula 1 has introduced a programme of this nature exclusively for India.
Under a special agreement, Mumbai Falcons has received the rights to host an official Formula 1-sanctioned sim racing competition in the country.
The championship will help identify and nurture young racing talent, offering them a credible entry point into the global motorsport ecosystem.
The Competition Roadmap
The championship will be held on the F1 25 platform (the official FIA Formula 1 World Championship™ game), ensuring players race on the same circuits and in the same liveries as their heroes like Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen.
Registration Starts: April 30, 2026.
How to Enter: Sign up via the MFRL App (available on iOS and Android).
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox.
The Journey: Online qualifiers $\rightarrow$ City-based simulator rounds $\rightarrow$ National Final (Mumbai, November 2026).
The Mumbai Falcons Legacy
Mumbai Falcons isn’t new to the podium. As the first Indian team to win an FIA-accredited international championship, they have already helped shape the careers of current and future stars, including:
Kimi Antonelli
Oliver Bearman
Kush Maini
Arvid Lindblad
By leveraging their experience in high-stakes racing, the Falcons aim to find the “hidden gems” of the Indian gaming community and put them on a path toward the cockpit of a real race car.