The 2024 Hyderabad E-Prix, set to be the fourth round of Season 10, has officially been cancelled, the series confirmed today.
Rumours emerged last week that the event was in jeopardy after recent elections.
Now those rumours have become a reality, with the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department (MAUD), under the control of the Government of Telangana electing not to fulfil the Host City Agreement signed on 30 October 2023, as per a Formula E press release.
Formula E Operations (FEO) responded by formally giving notice to MAUD that it is in breach of contract and is considering its next course of action regarding the Host City Agreement and “applicable laws.”
The 2024 Hyderabad E-Prix would have been the event’s second instalment after its debut last year and leaves India without any FIA World Championship action.
“We are extremely disappointed for the huge motorsport fanbase in India,” said Alberto Longo, Formula E Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer.
“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.”
Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, added: “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.
“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 Hyderabad E-Prix was slated to take place on Saturday, February 10 – there is no expected replacement lined up, meaning that there will be a seven-week break between the rounds in Diriyah and Sao Paulo.
FIA Formula E Season 10 gets underway with the Mexico E-Prix on Saturday, January 13.
