After the inaugural Formula E race in Hyderabad earlier this year, 2024 seems to be a mystery, as the race might not return in February 2024. Earlier this year, the E-Prix took place in Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad and India was listed as part of Formula E’s 2024 calendar. However, things have changed now.
There were speculations from Autosport that the 2024 season could see India out of the calendar as the team behind organising the race was disbanded in August. With recent developments, it only adds to the speculation.
In an official statement, Formula E stated:
“Following a recent official communication received from the new Government of Telangana, Formula E is seeking urgent clarification of their contractual commitments under the agreement and how it could impact the Hyderabad race.
Based on the content of the letter received, Formula E is concerned the race will not be able to go ahead as planned.
Formula E’s senior executive team met with the new leadership of the Government of Telangana immediately following elections earlier this month. Discussions have been ongoing since then.
With the event just a few weeks away and in its final stages of preparation, Formula E, partners and suppliers have already made significant commercial investments in the event.
The inaugural Hyderabad E-Prix in February this year returned almost $84mil in positive economic impact to the region, many times more than the overhead costs invested by Formula E and the Government of Telangana.
Hyderabad is set to host the only official FIA World Championship event in India next year, alongside other iconic world cities including Tokyo, Shanghai, Berlin and London, as part of a multi-year agreement between Formula E and the Government of Telangana. Further updates will follow in due course.”
India already witnessed Formula One come and go, while MotoGP also saw its inaugural India race earlier this year, while it will return in 2024 in September.
