Formula E may be set to swap the tight turns of London’s ExCeL Centre for the high-speed corners of Silverstone as the all-electric series prepares to usher in its Gen4 era in 2027.
Speaking during a media roundtable at the London E-Prix, Nissan Formula E Team Principal and Managing Director Tommaso Volpe appeared to confirm that permanent racing circuits are increasingly being considered by manufacturers for the next-generation cars, which will boast significant performance upgrades—including all-wheel drive and increased power output.
“It could happen, especially with Gen4,” said Volpe, when asked about Silverstone hosting a future Formula E race. “We have a verbal commitment to keep at least half the circuits in city centres, because it’s part of Formula E’s DNA—but with cars being more performing, circuits like Silverstone will be more appropriate for the level of performance.”
Formula E’s current deal with the ExCeL runs until the end of the 2026 season—coinciding with the scheduled debut of Gen4 cars. These new machines are expected to deliver unprecedented levels of energy efficiency and corner-exit acceleration, with performance figures approaching those seen in more traditional top-tier racing categories.
Nissan Formula E chief, Tommaso Volpe (Image: Nissan)
Volpe acknowledged that Gen4’s capabilities could outgrow several city venues. “Some locations like this one, or other city circuits we used for Gen2 and Gen3, won’t be ideal for Gen4. Safety and entertainment-wise, it’s going to be difficult to fit the performance into urban layouts.”
He added that manufacturers, including Nissan, welcome the shift towards permanent tracks. “Silverstone-type circuits will allow us to showcase electrification as a flexible technology that delivers both efficiency and raw performance.”
The suggestion that the UK’s home of motorsport could host Formula E comes amid the championship’s increasing desire to appeal to a broader motorsport audience. Formula E has already raced at permanent venues including Shanghai and Mexico City, and is set to return to Miami in a hybrid street-track format.
If confirmed, a move to Silverstone in 2027 would mark a pivotal moment for the sport—symbolising both the maturation of Formula E and the capabilities of its next-gen electric powertrains.