MIAMI, USA – The Nissan Formula E Team celebrated a historic milestone during Round 5 of the 2024/25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as Norman Nato claimed the outfit’s first-ever pole position. The Frenchman went on to cross the finish line first in a dramatic race through the streets of Miami, only to be demoted to sixth due to a post-race penalty that also impacted teammate Oliver Rowland’s hard-fought recovery drive.
The weekend marked a moment of individual brilliance for Nato, who delivered a lightning-fast lap in qualifying to secure his maiden Julius Baer Pole Position. It was a landmark achievement both personally and for the Nissan Formula E Team, demonstrating the pace and potential that has quietly been building across the season.
Meanwhile, Rowland’s weekend began with hurdles. A cancelled shakedown due to rain and a subsequent technical issue left the British driver with minimal running in Free Practice 1, compromising his preparation and relegating him to 16th on the starting grid following a challenging qualifying session.
As the race got underway beneath the Floridian sun, Nato made a strong launch from pole, remaining a consistent presence in the top five while executing a strategic energy-saving drive. Rowland, determined to recover, methodically climbed through the field, showcasing impressive efficiency and pace.
The momentum shifted dramatically on Lap 22 when a red flag halted proceedings. At the time, Nato was running sixth and Rowland 11th, both with six minutes of Attack Mode remaining—critical energy boosts that had been meticulously woven into their race strategy. Upon the standing restart, both drivers activated Attack Mode and surged forward, with Nato reclaiming the lead and Rowland muscling his way into fourth at the chequered flag.
However, celebration quickly turned to disappointment. The timing of the red flag had disrupted their ability to fully deploy their Attack Mode durations—a procedural requirement under Formula E regulations. As a result, both drivers were handed ten-second post-race penalties, dropping Nato to sixth and Rowland to tenth. Despite the setback, it still marked a double points finish and maintained Nissan’s lead in both the Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ Championships.
Team Reaction: Bitter-Sweet Success
“It was a weekend filled with ups and downs,” admitted Tommaso Volpe, Managing Director and Team Principal of the Nissan Formula E Team. “Norman took the win on track, which was fantastic to see, but the penalty dropped him to P6. The red flag really hit us at the worst possible moment and cost us valuable points. Still, the pole position and points show our pace is real. Oli also did a great job recovering from a compromised start to the weekend. We leave Miami cautious but confident—we know we have what it takes to keep fighting for all three titles.”
Driver Reflections: Building Momentum
For Norman Nato, the Miami weekend offered a blend of elation and frustration. “It’s great to take my first Formula E pole and a solid haul of points,” he reflected. “Without the penalty, we could’ve taken the win. But even with the time added, to still finish P6 shows how strong our race was. It’s been a season of near-misses, but this weekend definitely boosts my confidence going into Monaco.”
Oliver Rowland echoed similar sentiments: “It was frustrating to get the penalty after crossing the line in fourth. We’d managed to turn around a tough qualifying, and the race pace was really strong. These things happen in racing, but it’s clear we’re competitive. The goal now is to improve qualifying and keep that form through to Monaco.”
Eyes on Monaco: A Championship in the Balance
As the team turns its focus to the iconic double-header in Monte-Carlo on 3–4 May, optimism remains high within the Nissan camp. Despite the penalties, the Miami performance underscored the team’s raw pace and strategic resilience. With both Nato and Rowland showcasing top-tier speed and determination, the championship battle remains wide open—and Nissan firmly in contention.
