The 2024 Hyderabad E-Prix, scheduled as Round 4 of the Formula E World Championship on February 10, has been cancelled.
The cancellation comes following a decision by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department (MAUD), under the control of the Government of Telangana, not to fulfil the Host City Agreement signed on October 30 2023.
It was reported last week that the event was under threat after organisers received a letter from the new government that “could impact the Hyderabad race.”
The Hyderabad E-Prix was scheduled as the only official FIA World Championship event in India in 2024 and was part of a multi-year agreement between the series and the previous government.
A statement released by Formula E this morning confirmed the news, saying, “Formula E Operations (FEO) has been left with no choice other than to formally give notice to MAUD that it is in breach of contract. FEO is considering its position and what steps it may take under the Host City Agreement and applicable laws. All of FEO’s rights in that regard are reserved.”
Co-founder and Chief Championship Officer Alberto Long added, “We are extremely disappointed for the huge motorsport fanbase in India. We know that hosting an official motorsport world championship race is an important and prestigious occasion for Hyderabad and the whole country.
“The President of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), Akbar Ebrahim, and his team have been incredibly supportive in bringing Formula E back to Hyderabad. They share our disappointment in the decision of the Government of Telangana which means that will not happen.”
The 2023 Hyderabad E-Prix was regarded as a success, with a thrilling race won by Jean-Eric Vergne over New Zealand’s Nick Cassidy. However, delays in infrastructure setup received criticism after preparation for the weekend continued even after track action had begun.
The absence of the Indian round now sees a significant gap in the calendar, with Round 3 at Diriyah on January 27, followed by a six-week gap before Round 4 in Sao Paulo on March 16.
“It is deeply frustrating that we cannot build on the success of the inaugural race last year, which delivered almost 84m USD in positive economic impact to the region,” said Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds.
“We are also disappointed for our major Indian partners, particularly Mahindra and Tata Communications. Racing in Hyderabad was important to showcase the benefits of adopting electric vehicles in a market where pollution from vehicle engines has a massive impact on public health and the environment.”
The 2024 season begins on January 13 in Mexico City.
