The Brands Hatch circuit that will host its first ever E-Prix next May will feature three new complexes to the legendary former host of the British Grand Prix.
Formula E Notebook has uncovered secret details of the plans which are set to see the trio of modifications utilised for the double-header event that will constitute rounds 12 and 13 of the 2026-27 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
The first of the changes is set to be located at the Surtees left-hand corner where a tighter left then right will be constructed on the connecting road that blends on to the Indy circuit.
The second modification will be at the Pilgrims Drop area of the track with a left/right/left chicane assembled on the permanent track. This has been prioritised to ensure the powerful GEN4 cars do not enter the quick Hawthorns right at the bottom of the long run from Surtees at unchecked speed, while also giving a hard braking area for regeneration under braking purposes.
The Westfield, Dingle Dell and Stirlings areas of the track will remain unchanged before a third change at the Clearways area of the circuit. Here, a right/left/left/right chicane is planned to be added before the cars sweep on to the Brabham Stright and up to the legendary Paddock Hill Bend first corner.
The changes have been overseen by drivers Pascal Wehrlein and Oliver Rowland, who act as driver advisors for an informal track advisory group that meets with FIA and Formula E Operations staff.
Brands Hatch will host its first major international single-seater event since it welcomed the Superleague Formula series in 2010. That event was marred by a huge accident suffered by Kiwi driver, Chris van der Drift (Olympiacos), when he hit the bridge parapet at Pilgrims Drop after vaulting off the back of Julien Jousse’s (AS Roma) car.
Hughes: “Buzzing” to get back to Brands
Recently signed CUPRA Kiro driver, Jake Hughes, say he “cannot wait” to race GEN4 Formula E cars at Brands Hatch, describing the Kent circuit as “an amazing challenge for drivers.”
Hughes last arced at the venue in Formula 4 back in 2013 but enjoyed the experience after winning on his way to the title in his first full professional racing season.
“I’m buzzing to go back to Brands.,” Hughes told FEN.
“The last time I was there I won, so in that sense, it’s going to bring back happy memories.
“I think anyone that’s ever driven the Brands GP track knows how good of a challenge it is, and we all love that track for its purity.
“I don’t know the story on the new complexes, so I guess I’ll have to reserve a little bit of judgment until I speak to the team and see pictures of it and try it on the simulator. But I’m sure if Formula E are looking to do that, it’s for a necessary reasons.”
