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How the Battle for Nissan’s Vacant Seat Was Finally Decided
Highlights
- Nissan selects Zane Maloney over Victor Martins for Formula E seat
- Maloney’s Gen4 test experience influenced Nissan’s driver decision
- Team principal Volpe felt Renault board preferred Formula E experience
- Oliver Rowland confirmed to remain with Nissan after contract talks
- Martins expected to join Lola Yamaha for upcoming Formula E season
- Nissan aims to strengthen team with Maloney and Rowland for Gen4
Nissan selects Zane Maloney to replace Norman Nato for the upcoming Formula E season, choosing him over Victor Martins. Familiarity with Gen4 testing and recent Formula E mileage prove decisive.
Martins completes multiple Nissan tests, including Navarra alongside reserve Sam Bird last month. Despite that programme, Nissan prioritises Maloney’s readiness for Gen4 running and immediate operational integration.
Maloney arrives from two seasons with Lola Yamaha ABT. Results are thin, only three points, yet his pace trends close to teammate Lucas di Grassi this season.
Team principal Tommaso Volpe cites board preference for proven Formula E experience. A rookie is considered, but adaptation risk looms. Reviews include Maloney’s F2 record and Gen4 driver feedback.
Nissan chooses Maloney over Martins, prioritising Gen4 familiarity and immediate Formula E readiness.
Maloney heads to Nissan’s simulator next week, then samples the Nissan Gen4 development car next month. He already completes several Gen4 days, including Estoril shortly before the London E-Prix finale.
Martins’ Nissan prospects fade. He is expected to join Lola Yamaha, with two seats open as the British manufacturer continues Gen4 testing in Spain with Dan Ticktum.
The Frenchman remains a free agent, weighing sportscar options and Formula E routes. He may yet receive an Alpine offer as the brand transitions to Geely for next season.
Volpe weighs Martins’ availability and endurance commitments, calling Maloney the lower‑risk integration for Gen4.
Scheduling questions around Martins’ endurance programme also influence the call. Nissan values minimising onboarding risk ahead of Gen4 racing, favouring Maloney’s recent procedures and systems familiarity.
Parallel uncertainty surrounds Oliver Rowland. Despite rival interest from Penske and Envision, the 2025 champion reaffirms his multi‑year Nissan deal after intense London build‑up talks.
Rowland stays at Nissan after considering Penske and Envision approaches.
Volpe stresses shared ambition and alignment on Gen4 plans, which steady both sides. Stability with Rowland and Maloney underpins Nissan’s push into Gen4 Formula E racing.
Visual Summary
🏎️
Zane Maloney
Chosen by Nissan
vs
🚗
Victor Martins
Passed over
🤔 Nissan picks EXPERIENCE over raw talent
3
Points scored
by Maloney in 2 seasons
— But Nissan saw untapped pace
by Maloney in 2 seasons
— But Nissan saw untapped pace
Martins
Tested with Nissan in Navarra, June
Now linked with Lola Yamaha for 2025
Nissan on Maloney:
“He matches di Grassi’s pace — Formula E experience matters for Gen4”
Champ Rowland stays 💪
despite interest from Penske & Envision
despite interest from Penske & Envision
Nissan aims for another title. Maloney’s experience fits their Gen4 plans as Formula E enters a new era.
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