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Formula E Gen3 Star Faces Losing His Seat
Highlights
- Nissan plans to replace Norman Nato with Victor Martins in 2026-27.
- Nato likely to focus on 2027 WEC with Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA.
- Nato may take reserve or development role, possibly with Jaguar.
- Martins tested Nissan Gen4 car; strong simulator and F2 background.
- Nissan’s final driver decisions expected after current Formula E season ends.
Nissan plans to replace Norman Nato with Victor Martins for 2026-27, leaving Nato without a race seat after three Gen3 seasons. The shift precedes the Gen4 transition.
Nato’s season shows flashes without consistency. Sixth at the Tokyo E-Prix and fifth in Berlin headline results, yet strategy calls and incidents curtailed stronger points-scoring opportunities.
The Frenchman prioritises a 2027 World Endurance Championship programme with Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA. Two calendar clashes with Formula E complicate dual commitments and elevate fatigue risk across back-to-back weekends.
Nato remains open to a reserve or development role, potentially with Jaguar. He raced for Jaguar in the 2022 Seoul finale and previously tested with the team under Ian James.
Nato is expected to prioritise a 2027 WEC campaign with Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA.
Nissan team principal Tommaso Volpe says no final decision is confirmed. Announcements should follow season-end, as the title battle concludes and the Formula E calendar settles.
Martins emerges as favourite alongside Oliver Rowland. The Formula 2 graduate, a development driver for Williams and Alpine’s WEC effort, tested Nissan’s Gen4 package at Navarra and excelled in simulator correlation.
Victor Martins’ Navarra test in Nissan’s Gen4 car strengthens his case to partner Oliver Rowland.
For Nissan, Martins offers upside in pace and adaptability. Rookie mileage is a risk, offset by Rowland’s benchmark, as Nissan looks ready to move forward with Martins into Gen4.
Nato keeps options alive in Formula E if a competitive project emerges. He also explores IMSA, while recent WEC success continues to shape his programme priorities.
Two known clashes between Formula E and WEC complicate any dual programme.
Visual Summary
WEC →
Main Focus 🚦
Main Focus 🚦
N
ato
⇄
M
artins
Nissan
2026-27
Nissan turns to Martins for Gen4
Norman Nato
Final Lap Coming
Norman Nato
Final Lap Coming
🏁
Gen3 Era
3 seasons
3 seasons
🔄
Seat Swap
2026-27
2026-27
🟢
WEC Priority
Cadillac JOTA
Cadillac JOTA
6th
@ Tokyo E-Prix
@ Tokyo E-Prix
Highlight finish of his Nissan chapter
Martins likely in for Nissan’s all-electric future.
Nato focuses on endurance glory, but could return to Formula E grid—when the time is right.
Zane Muniz writes across NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, IMSA, NHRA, and dirt-racing news. His breaking-news alerts and event previews ensure motorsport fans never miss a lap, drift, or drag-strip showdown.
