Silverstone vs Brands Hatch for 2027 Formula E slot

Brands Hatch and Silverstone are the two clear choices for Formula E's new UK venue in its Gen4 era that starts at the end of 2026.

The Race has learned that recent discussions between Formula E Operations and key staff at both Silverstone and Brands Hatch have started to detail potential layout options for a race in early summer 2027 at one of the locations.

Formula E has approximately four weeks before it must submit its 2026-27 calendar to the FIA at June's World Motorsport Council meeting.

Two venues synonymous with Formula 1's British Grand Prix past and present, Silverstone and Brands Hatch are under serious consideration for the UK's Formula E round, potentially in May 2027 to replace the ExCeL - which has been deemed too tight for the quicker, longer and heavier Gen4 car.

While Silverstone and Brands Hatch appear to be the two clear favourites, The Race has learned that a third unknown option has recently been pinpointed as well. This is believed to be another permanent facility in the UK. Donington Park - Formula E's former operations base and test venue - would be the only realistic contender.

"The two obvious circuits are Silverstone and Brands Hatch and there are pros and cons to both," Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds told The Race in Berlin.

"Brands Hatch is close to London, which is a real benefit actually, and I think the other big benefit is the circuit layout. I like the high position, seeing the track come out in front of you, so I think Gen4s will be good on that track."

It's understood that Formula E would not use the current F1 layout if it went to Silverstone. One potential variation for the Gen4 Formula E cars could be the International circuit that links Village corner to Becketts (though in reality this is the Chapel corner) and also uses the Hangar Straight, Stowe, Vale and Club.

Dodds emphasised that "we're not trying to be F1, we're not trying to incite comparison", but described Silverstone as a "plug and play" option, praising chief executive Stuart Pringle and his team as "excellent people and really good at what they do, with quality facilities". 

One difficulty for Silverstone hosting an E-Prix might be simply finding a date.

The track could host the World Endurance Championship if talks come to fruition for 2027, and with F1 and MotoGP's British Grands Prix, the British Touring Car Championship, British GT, European Le Mans Series, BRDC Classic and other events to accommodate the venue would not have an array of available weekends.

As of last weekend's Berlin round, Brands Hatch is considered the slight favourite due to factors including its close proximity to London and also having a natural, undulating bowl where over half of the track can be viewed.

Some modifications to the Brands Hatch Grand Prix track may be needed and this is believed to have been on the table in discussions between the owner of the circuit, MotorSport Vision, and Formula E Operations. 

The last time that Brands Hatch hosted an officially designated world championship single-seater race was F1's famous 1986 British Grand Prix won by Nigel Mansell, although it has since had F3000, Superleague Formula, Champ Car and A1GP at the venue.