Force India F1 Team logo in 2008–2011.
Force India were an Indian Formula One team which competed in the Formula One World Championship from 2008 until the 2018 Hungarian Grand Prix, having taken over the Spyker team in 2008. Owned by Indian industrialist, business-mogul and politician, Vijay Mallya, the team were the first Indian outfit to enter the Formula One World Championship.
The team's drivers for 2018 were Sergio Pérez and Esteban Ocon.
In August 2018, the team entered administration following a legal case brought by the team's creditors, including driver Sergio Pérez. The team's assets were purchased by a consortium led by Canadian businessman, Lawrence Stroll named Racing Point UK Limited, however this purchase did not include the team's F1 entry. Hence the new team, Racing Point Force India were granted a new F1 entry as a new constructor which would not inherit the original team's points. Sahara Force India F1 were excluded from the 2018 championship under Regulation 8.2f of the Sporting Regulations.
History[]
Origins and Formation (2007–2008)[]
Force India was formed following the purchase of the Spyker F1 team, which had itself evolved from the Midland F1 and originally Jordan Grand Prix. Vijay Mallya and Michiel Mol completed the takeover in October 2007 for approximately €88 million. The new team was officially renamed "Force India Formula One Team" and was granted an Indian racing licence by the FIA.
The team entered its first season in 2008 with the VJM01 chassis, a modified version of the previous Spyker car. It retained drivers Adrian Sutil and Giancarlo Fisichella, but struggled for pace, scoring no points during the season.
Rise and Competitive Growth (2009–2015)[]
Force India's performance began to improve significantly in 2009, especially after a technical partnership with McLaren-Mercedes, which provided engines, gearboxes, and technical support. At the 2009 Belgian Grand Prix, Fisichella secured Force India's first pole position and second-place finish, marking a major milestone.
From 2010 onward, Force India became a regular points-scoring team. Sutil remained a core driver, joined at various times by Paul di Resta, Nico Hülkenberg, and Sergio Pérez. The team's consistency and strategic management enabled it to outperform some midfield rivals.
In 2015, the team finished fifth in the Constructors’ Championship—its best result at the time.
Peak Performance and Stability (2016–2017)[]
Force India reached its competitive peak in 2016 and 2017, finishing fourth in the Constructors’ Championship in both seasons. The team ran drivers Sergio Pérez and Esteban Ocon, who engaged in several memorable on-track battles. Despite operating on a relatively small budget, the team regularly outperformed better-funded teams such as Williams, Renault, and McLaren.
Their 2017 car, the VJM10, was particularly notable for its strong reliability and consistency across the season.
Financial Troubles and Administration[]
Despite its on-track success, Force India suffered financial difficulties due to Mallya's legal and financial troubles in India. In July 2018, the team was placed into administration. A consortium of investors led by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll purchased the team’s assets, allowing it to continue racing for the remainder of the season under the name Racing Point Force India. However, due to the legal entity change, all previous Constructors’ points from the 2018 season were forfeited.
The team officially re-entered the championship as Racing Point F1 Team from the 2019 season onwards.
Legacy[]
Force India gained a reputation as one of Formula One’s most efficient and competitive midfield teams. Despite budget constraints, the team consistently punched above its weight, achieving multiple podium finishes and strong championship placements.
It also played a role in promoting motorsport in India, with its most high-profile driver, Narain Karthikeyan, serving as an early inspiration, although he never drove for the team.
The team’s Silverstone facility and infrastructure continue to be used by its successors: Racing Point (2019–2020), Aston Martin F1 Team (2021–present).
F1 Summary[]
Force India Driver Grand Prix Count[]
| Name | Duration | Grand Prix Starts |
|---|---|---|
 Adrian Sutil
|
2008-2011, 2013 | 92 |
 Sergio Pérez
|
2014-2018 | 90 |
| Nico Hülkenberg
|
2012, 2014-2016 | 78 |
 Paul di Resta
|
2011-2013 | 58 |
 Esteban Ocon
|
2017-2018 | 32 |
 Giancarlo Fisichella
|
2008-2009 | 30 |
| Vitantonio Liuzzi
|
2009-2010 | 24 |
Complete Formula One Results[]
- Main article: Force India/Results
Gallery[]
Notes[]
The results after Force India was purchased have been removed and can be found here.
| V T E |  Force India
|
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Notable Personnel Vijay Mallya · Otmar Szafnauer · Andrew Green | |||
| Notable drivers Giancarlo Fisichella · Vitantonio Liuzzi · Adrian Sutil · Paul di Resta · Nico Hülkenberg · Sergio Pérez · Esteban Ocon | |||
| Cars VJM01 · VJM02 · VJM03 · VJM04 · VJM05 · VJM06 · VJM07 · VJM08 · VJM09 · VJM10 · VJM11 | |||
| v·d·e | Nominate this page for Featured Article |
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