Nato and Günther departures ignite Formula E’s Gen4 driver market
Two confirmed departures reshape the Formula E grid
Norman Nato’s exit from Nissan and Maximilian Günther’s departure from DS Penske have been confirmed, opening the latest chapter in Formula E’s increasingly active driver market ahead of the Gen4 era.
Nato’s departure had been expected for much of the campaign. The Frenchman was unable to provide the support Nissan or Oliver Rowland needed in the teams’ championship for a second consecutive season, ending the recently concluded campaign second-last in the drivers’ standings with 20 points. Rowland finished 117 points clear of his team-mate.
Victor Martins is the favourite to replace Nato alongside Rowland next season, although Nissan has not confirmed its next line-up. Nato, meanwhile, is leaving Formula E to pursue opportunities elsewhere. Team principal Tommaso Volpe confirmed the decision after the London finale and paid tribute to the driver’s contribution during Nissan’s Gen3 project.
“I want to take the opportunity also to wholeheartedly thank Norman, who has been a huge part of our project in Gen3,” Volpe said. “He’s been with us for three out of these past four years and took the very first podium of Nissan Formula E Team back in Season 9. He’s been fundamental to the success we’ve had thanks to his commitment and hard work both on and off the track, and we wish him all the best.”
Günther set for Envision move
Günther’s exit from DS Penske was announced by the German on social media on Monday, bringing an end to a two-season partnership that produced race wins and pole positions despite a difficult Season 12 campaign.
“London has been my final race weekend with DS Penske,” Günther wrote. “Two seasons, many memorable moments, race wins, pole positions and challenges we’ve overcome together. I’m very grateful to everyone in the team for their commitment and contribution, but above all for the close relationships that have developed along the way. It’s been a great chapter in my career.”
The German added: “The Gen4 era awaits and I’m really excited for what’s ahead.”
That future is reported to be with Envision. The Race reports that Günther is set to join the team for the start of Gen4, with Envision having already announced the departures of Sebastien Buemi and Joel Eriksson. Those exits leave two seats available and make Günther’s reported move one of the first significant pieces of the new-era puzzle. For further context on his ambitions, see our report on Günther targeting the Formula E world title as Gen4 approaches.
With Nissan also expected to make a change, the consequences of the London finale extend well beyond the final Gen3 results. The driver market is now primed to accelerate, with two established names moving on and multiple seats still to be decided.
Simone Scanu
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.