Rumour: Force India F1 Team might drop ‘India’ from its name

The Force India F1 team is mulling over a name change in the near future. According to the team's co-owner, Vijay Mallya, this step is being considered in order to give the team an 'international flavour' and attract new sponsors.

The Force India F1 team was formed when a consortium led by Indian businessman Vijay Mallya and Dutch businessman Michiel Mol bought the Spyker F1 team in 2007. The owners were previously aiming to bring some Indian sponsors onboard and even introduce an Indian driver in the team. However, these plans didn't materialize, despite the team delivering impressive performances.

In the ongoing season, Force India is currently holding on to the fourth position in the constructors' championship, after seven races. The team owners are thus hoping that with growing performance, it would become easier to attract international sponsors. However, some people in the team have voiced their concern about the current name being psychologically restrictive.

The team is thus looking to drop 'India' from its name, though the decision will be taken after deeper deliberation with other shareholders. This isn't the first time when a rename is on cards for the Force India F1 team, as the owners were close to rebranding it as Aston Martin racing last year, though the deal eventually failed to see the light.

Source: Motorsport