Credit: Simon Galloway courtesy of FIA Formula E
Andretti Global have officially announced that Norman Nato will race for the team in season 10, having been chosen as André Lotterer’s replacement.
Nato’s move to Andretti comes after the Frenchman was let go by the Nissan Formula E Team for 2024, so that they could re-sign Oliver Rowland. It’s a huge move for Nato, who was coming close to the Formula E exit door, with reigning F2 Champion Felipe Drugovich having been Andretti’s original target, according to reports.
However, Drugovich’s persistence in trying to force a move onto the Formula 1 grid opened the opportunity to Nato, who has snapped at the chance to join one of the strongest teams on the grid. Nato will race for Andretti alongside reigning World Champion Jake Dennis, in what is a combination which can fight for the Constructors’ Championship.
Nato is “thrilled” to be joining the American side for Formula E’s centurion campaign, and is delighted to have been “given the opportunity” by Michael Andretti.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the Andretti Formula E family for Season 10,” Nato said. “It’s highly exciting to be given the opportunity to have a car capable of winning. I’m looking forward to working with the team and contributing to the team’s long history of success.”
Season nine was actually Nato’s returning campaign to the championship, having been left without a seat for season eight. Whilst he was initially slow to get going, the 31-year-old grew in confidence as the season developed.
His season came to life in Monaco where he qualified third, but his 2022/23 highlight was, without a shadow of a doubt, his podium in Rome R2, which just so happened to be Nissan’s first as an official Formula E manufacturer.
Above: Nato on his way to the podium after finishing second in Rome R2 – Credit: Simon Galloway courtesy of FIA Formula E
He actually scored points in the last six races consecutively and was Nissan’s highest driver in the championship, making many feel that it was an error by the Japanese manufacturer to decide so prematurely that he wouldn’t be given a new contract for 2024.
Being released by Nissan has in many ways worked in Nato’s favour, with him now being in a car which is quick in both qualifying and over race distance, and boasts sensational energy efficiency.
That’s something he never had at Nissan, who tended to slip down the order during the races. Team Principal Roger Griffiths is very happy to have the Cannes-born star in the team for season 10, with the driver sharing the team’s “passion for victory”.
“We are embarking on an exciting journey with Norman Nato as part of the Andretti Formula E team for Season 10,” Griffiths said.
“Norman’s proven skillset and passion for racing align with our passion for victory. He is highly determined, and we are confident that his contribution will play a pivotal role in taking the team to new heights in the upcoming season.”
The only thing missing for Andretti in season nine was the Constructors’ Championship, given that they had several wins, a record-breaking number of podiums, fastest laps and a pole position to their name, courtesy of Dennis.
With no disrespect to Lotterer – who revealed that he’s retired from single-seater racing to focus on WEC – Nato can help Andretti claim the Teams’ Championship, something the side are “hungry for”, according to the Andretti Global owner.
“I’m confident of the direction that Andretti Formula E is heading as we gear up for Season 10,” insisted Andretti.
“The addition of Norman to our roster reflects our shared mindsets for the pursuit of victory and passion for winning. Norman brings great experience and skill with him, and he caught our attention with his progress throughout the season. After Jake’s remarkable victory in the Driver’s Championship this year, the bar has been set high, and we’re hungry for more.”
Keyword: Andretti announce Nato as Lotterer’s replacement