"Unexpected constraints": NXT Gen Cup will not be part of the Formula E races in 2024

Surprisingly, the organisers of the NXT Gen Cup announced late on Monday evening that the electric junior touring car series will not be competing at the European races of the FIA Formula E World Championship after all. The 2024 season will still take place. Just five days before the start of the season, the organisers are therefore faced with the task of putting together a new race calendar.

"The reason for the decision is due to unexpected constraints in getting the junior series ready for the joint race weekends with Formula E," read a statement from the NXT Gen Cup. However, the exact restrictions were not communicated. Formula E will therefore continue to organise its races without a support series in the fourth year after the end of the Jaguar I-Pace eTROPHY.

"We are obviously disappointed that we could not get this together for 2024 and that the decision came so late," said Fredrik Lestrup, founder of the NXT Gen Cup. "We have been in touch with all of our drivers and partners who obviously share our feelings, but who also have shown incredible understanding and support in this difficult situation - something we are hugely grateful for."

"We have a positive dialogue with DTM & ADAC"

"Our work is now fully focussed on securing a new 2024 calendar," continued Lestrup. "We have a positive dialogue with DTM, ADAC and others. We will return with further news soon." The two race weekends that the NXT Gen Cup wanted to organise together with the DTM at the Norisring and in Hockenheim are to take place as planned.

Although the NXT Gen Cup will have to find an alternative to Formula E for the current year, the aim is still to collaborate with the electric series in the future. "Our main priority now is to find a sustainable new solution for our drivers as soon as possible and our ambition is still to return with the FIA Formula E World Championship in 2025," Lestrup continued.

Formula E: "Ensure minimal disruption to fans"

"NXT Gen’s participation at the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has been cancelled for Season 10 due to unexpected constraints faced by the support series" confirmed a Formula E spokesperson. The racing series now wants to accommodate fans in particular, who were expecting an additional race per day on the circuit in Misano, at short notice.

"Formula E has already begun implementing positive adjustments to ensure the continuity and success of upcoming events," the statement continues. "Beginning with a revised schedule for the Misano E-Prix to ensure minimal disruption to fans and expanded activities that include: pit-lane autograph sessions, additional pit walks, and expanded promotional track activities. Formula E remains committed to nurturing the next generation of talent through FIA Girls on Track and other impactful initiatives for young people.”

The NXT Gen Cup has so far presented ten drivers aged 16 to 24 for the 2024 season, who will compete in identical electric minis. The official pre-season test took place in Misano on 26 and 27 March.