Norman Nato is ensuring that he’s “doing my best to learn as much as possible” ahead of his debut for Andretti Formula E, which’ll take place this weekend at the season-opening Mexico City E-Prix.
Nato heads to the Mexican capital perhaps fortunate to even be on the grid this season, given that he received the boot from the Nissan Formula E Team before a deal with Andretti was reached. Season 10 is seen by many as a huge opportunity for Nato, given that he’s in the team who won the Drivers’ Championship in 2023, courtesy of Jake Dennis.
The Frenchman only returned to Formula E in Season 9 after not having a seat for Season 8, with it having taken him some time to get back up to speed. Had he been quick instantly last season, then perhaps Nissan would’ve retained him.
In a bizarre way, his initial Season 9 struggles have worked hugely in his favour, as he’s now got one of the best cars on the grid. He will be able to compete for rostrums much more often with the Porsche powertrain at his disposal. At least that is what’ll be expected from him.
Nato has been signed by Andretti as they see him as the ideal driver to support Dennis in fighting for the Constructors’ Championship, something the reigning World Champion would love to win for the team. Given that he raced with a Nissan powertrain in 2023, Nato will need time to get used to the different machinery, although Andretti can’t afford for this process to take long.
2024 really is a make-or-break year for Nato if he wants to prove that he can fight with the fastest drivers on the grid consistently. A good weekend in Mexico City would do him the world of good.
“I’m really excited to start the season in Mexico City with a new team, a new car and new systems for me to discover,” Nato said.
“There’s always such a great atmosphere at the track and the fans are really pushing us to provide them with the best show. We’ve been preparing thoroughly with a lot of simulator work over the past few months to ensure we’re in the best place possible come the first race of the season.
“My time in the car has been fairly limited, so I’m doing my best to learn as much as possible so that we can be fast and consistent as early as possible during Season 10.”
Nato will be desperate for a significantly better race in Mexico City than he had 12 months ago, as he failed to even finish the season-opener last year.
