The Formula-E races which are scheduled to be held in Hyderabad from February 10, 2024, are likely to be cancelled.
The organisers of the races have approached the State government seeking clearance for the event. However, as there has been no confirmation from the government yet, there is a discussion on whether E-racing can be seen in Hyderabad or not.
Formula-E organisers have admitted that they are concerned that the Hyderabad E-prix will not go ahead as planned next year following the recent developments with the local government.
A statement by them read, "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. (sic)"
The statement said that Formula-E and the Municipal Administration & Urban Development Department (now under the control of the new Congress government) are in discussions regarding the Host City Agreement signed on 30 October 2023, and the staging of the Hyderabad E-Prix scheduled for Saturday, 10 February 2024.
With the event just a few weeks away and with preparations for it in their final stages, Formula-E, its partners and its suppliers have already made significant commercial investments into the event, the statement said.
The statement also claimed that the inaugural Hyderabad E-Prix in February this year returned almost USD 84m 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.