Key Takeaways
- Formula E CEO confirms active efforts to return to India after Hyderabad’s cancellation.
- India is considered a “massive market” with huge audience and commercial potential.
- Discussions are ongoing with multiple Indian cities, though no concrete deals are finalized.
Formula E is actively working to bring electric street racing back to India, with CEO Jeff Dodds reaffirming the championship’s strong interest in the country despite the abrupt cancellation of the Hyderabad event after just one edition in 2023.
The series had to drop the 2024 Hyderabad E-Prix earlier this year, citing a contract breach by the newly elected Telangana government. The race was part of Formula E’s expansion into new markets but couldn’t survive the political transition.
India’s Strategic Importance
Speaking at a Mahindra Racing event, Dodds emphasized India’s crucial position in Formula E’s global strategy. “Just look at the population of India and the passion for both automotive and sport. It’s an incredibly important market to us, and our ambition is to race here again in the future,” Dodds told PTI.
He added, “We will continue to look for the right opportunities to bring our racing product back to India,” highlighting the country’s dual appeal as both a massive audience market and commercial opportunity.
Ongoing Discussions with Indian Cities
When asked about potential talks with other state governments for a street race, Dodds revealed that ongoing conversations are being handled by the championship’s operations team led by Alberto Longo.
“He has a list as long as my arm of cities we’re talking to — and cities approaching us — but nothing I can share today regarding India,” Dodds stated, indicating significant interest from multiple locations across the country.
The development suggests that Indian motorsport fans might not have to wait long for the return of elite electric racing, with Formula E leadership clearly committed to finding the right partner and location for a sustainable Indian event.
