No Indian Grand Prix in Formula 1 in 2014

The Indian Grand Prix made its appearance on the Formula 1 World Championship calendar in 2011 for a duration of five seasons, but Bernie Ecclestone revealed that there will be no F1 race in India next season.

« When we signed the five-year contract with Jaypee, we wanted India in the first half [of the calendar] and Jaypee wanted it in October. We did that, but now it seems we will have the race earlier in 2015. It was too close [to have a race at the end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014]. Consequently, after discussions with the promoters, we think it’s better not to have a race in 2014 and to have one in 2015, » Ecclestone told the Indian news agency IANS.

The head of FOM also stated that the Indian Grand Prix should join the other events in the region at the beginning of the season, namely Australia, Malaysia, and China.

These changes still need to be ratified by the World Motor Sport Council, but seeing a race disappear for a season does not guarantee it will return thereafter. However, Vicky Chandhok, President of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India, told the Hindustan Times that if the Indian Grand Prix does not take place in 2014, it will indeed return the following year: « In 2015, F1 is looking to start earlier than March. This means that the 2014 calendar will have to be finalized before November. As a result, like other races, India could disappear. If the 2014 race is canceled, the Indian Grand Prix will be held in 2015 and 2016. »

Next year, the calendar will feature three new destinations – the arrival of Russia, New Jersey, and the return of Austria – and with the 19 races from 2013, the calendar could increase to 22 races, which the teams do not want. They are aiming for a maximum of 20 races per season, and with the exclusion of the Indian Grand Prix, this helps. It should also be noted that doubts remain about the Korean Grand Prix, which could also disappear, and that date might be for the Russian Grand Prix in 2014.