Nissan Formula E Team Shines in São Paulo but Misses Points After Penalties
The 2024/25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship kicked off in dramatic fashion at the São Paulo E-Prix, and the Nissan Formula E Team made an immediate statement of intent with exceptional pace and early race dominance. However, despite leading much of the race, both Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato were denied championship points due to a series of drive-through and post-race penalties.
Strong Qualifying Sets the Tone for GEN3 Evo Debut
Nissan’s race weekend began on a high note, with Rowland qualifying on the front row and Nato close behind in sixth for the first event of the GEN3 Evo era. The performance underscored the team’s improved competitiveness and car setup as they adapted quickly to the new technical regulations.
At lights out, Rowland launched into the lead with a commanding start, immediately controlling the early laps of the race. Nato also made steady progress, working his way through the field while battling inside the top ten.
Leadership, Red Flags, and Penalties
As the race unfolded, both drivers were actively engaged in strategy plays during the Attack Mode phase, with Rowland eventually re-taking the lead just before the race was halted due to a red flag.
Unfortunately for Rowland, the red flag timing meant that over two minutes of his additional energy allocation were wasted. As a result, he was dropped to second for the restart. Undeterred, he once again produced a superb getaway to regain the lead and pulled away from the chasing pack.
However, drama struck again when Rowland was handed a drive-through penalty for overpower, ending any hopes of a podium finish.
Nato, who had recovered well after his own penalty earlier in the race, climbed back into the top 10. But another red flag intervention complicated matters. At the final restart, he crossed the line in sixth place after a hard-fought battle, only to be demoted to 13th following a post-race penalty for incorrect positioning during the restart. Rowland eventually finished in 14th.
A Weekend of Missed Opportunities and Encouraging Performance
While the final results were disappointing, the race clearly highlighted Nissan’s competitive potential in the new Formula E era. From a strong qualifying performance to leading most of the race, the team showed that they have the pace to fight at the front.
As the championship moves forward, Nissan will be eager to turn this pace into points and podiums. With the GEN3 Evo machinery showing promise in their hands, the team looks poised to be a regular contender in the coming rounds.
