Mumbai: Bharat Army, the officially recognised supporters’ group of the Indian Cricket Team by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has strategically expanded into the world of Formula 1. This move marks a significant step in acknowledging and catering to the increasing interest in motorsport travel among Indian sports enthusiasts.
Recognising the growing demand for Formula 1 experiences within its existing member base, Bharat Army will now offer curated travel packages to select global Grand Prix events. This initiative aims to provide passionate Indian fans with seamless and memorable opportunities to witness the pinnacle of motorsport live.
Rakesh Patel, co-founder of Bharat Army, commented on the foray into Formula 1, “Our decision to venture into Formula 1 was a natural progression driven by the evolving interests of our members. We have always been committed to serving the needs of passionate sports fans, and we observed a growing appetite for F1 travel experiences within our community. This led us to explore the possibilities and develop tailored packages for these enthusiasts.”
This expansion positions Bharat Army as one of the early Indian entities to actively organise structured travel experiences for Formula 1. While cricket remains the dominant sporting passion in India, the global appeal of Formula 1 has witnessed a significant upswing, partly fueled by increased media exposure and engaging content.
“Our primary focus in this inaugural season is on building a strong foundation and meticulously refining the experience for our clients,” stated Patel. “We are dedicated to ensuring that Indian F1 fans receive unparalleled access and service as they travel to support their favorite teams and drivers.”
Bharat Army will adopt a measured approach in its debut Formula 1 season, concentrating on understanding the nuances of the market and the specific preferences of Indian fans.
“These are early stages for us in Formula 1,” Patel added. “Our immediate priority is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the market dynamics, analyse fan preferences, and ensure our travel offerings are perfectly aligned with the expectations of Indian motorsport enthusiasts.”
Early anecdotal data suggests that Grand Prix events in locations such as Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and Silverstone are attracting relatively higher interest from Indian travelers, likely due to factors like geographical proximity and historical connections. Bharat Army is actively gathering data to gain a clearer understanding of the preferred race destinations for Indian fans.
Bharat Army’s entry into Formula 1 travel signifies a positive development for the sport’s growth and engagement within India. Their initiative has the potential to encourage further exploration of F1 as a viable business opportunity within the country. Moreover, any future developments such as the return of the Indian Grand Prix or the emergence of an Indian F1 driver could significantly amplify the demand for motorsport travel.
For the immediate future, Bharat Army remains focused on enhancing its Formula 1 travel experiences, learning from its inaugural season, and steadily expanding its presence within the motorsport travel sector. The upcoming 2025 season will be a key indicator of the evolving engagement of Indian fans with Formula 1 and the impact of Bharat Army’s pioneering venture.
