Nissan Formula E Team delivered a decisive return to form in Berlin, turning a challenging run of races into a weekend of renewed confidence and competitive clarity at the Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit. Across Rounds 7 and 8 of the 2025/26 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, Oliver Rowland secured back-to-back podium finishes while Norman Nato demonstrated strong recovery drives, culminating in a top-five result on Sunday.
Saturday’s race laid the foundation for the team’s resurgence. Rowland showed improved one-lap pace in qualifying, advancing to the semi-final stage of the Duels and securing third on the grid. From there, he maintained composure in a tightly contested field, running consistently within the lead group. A well-timed Pit Boost stop and measured energy management allowed him to stay competitive through the latter stages, where a late Attack Mode activation positioned him to challenge for second. He ultimately crossed the line in third, marking his fourth podium in seven races.
Nato’s race unfolded differently. Starting from 20th after narrowly missing out in qualifying, he adopted an aggressive strategy, deploying Attack Mode early following his Pit Boost stop. While the approach enabled him to gain positions, the Frenchman was unable to break into the points, finishing 18th. Despite the result, the groundwork for improvement was evident.
Overnight, the team recalibrated. Engineers and mechanics worked extensively to refine the car’s setup, while a bold strategic decision for Sunday’s race redefined their approach. Both drivers sacrificed qualifying performance by conserving tyres, opting instead to start further down the grid with a focus on race-day execution.
That gamble paid off.
From 18th and 16th on the grid, Rowland and Nato executed a disciplined opening phase, prioritising energy conservation before progressively carving their way through the field. As the race approached its midpoint, both drivers had entered the leading pack, demonstrating not only pace but also strategic precision.
Rowland once again emerged as a podium contender, taking the fight to the front in the closing stages. A late push saw him secure second place, along with the bonus point for fastest lap, underlining both his racecraft and the car’s improved performance. Nato’s charge was equally compelling, climbing into the top five before a late Full Course Yellow neutralised his momentum, leaving him to finish fifth.
The Berlin double-header ultimately signalled a meaningful step forward for Nissan. The combination of strategic clarity, improved setup, and strong driver execution translated into a significant points haul and renewed momentum heading into the next phase of the season.
Team principal Tommaso Volpe acknowledged the turnaround, highlighting the impact of the team’s efforts during the break and the effectiveness of their race strategies. Both drivers echoed that sentiment, with Rowland noting the significance of consecutive podiums and Nato pointing to the overnight improvements that transformed his weekend.
With Formula E now heading to Monaco, Nissan arrives with a sense of direction restored. The Berlin performance did more than deliver results; it re-established the team as a competitive force capable of executing under pressure, a crucial ingredient as the championship battle intensifies.
