Nissan has signed Zane Maloney to replace Norman Nato for the 2026 Formula E season, selecting him over Victor Martins despite Martins’ strong F2 record and multiple Nissan tests. Team principal Tommaso Volpe said the decision came down to Maloney’s recent Formula E experience and banked Gen4 test days, which aligned with Nissan’s preference for a driver already familiar with the Gen4 ruleset.
Martins, who had tested for Nissan as recently as last month in Navarra, remains a free agent. He may secure a seat at Lola Yamaha, where Dan Ticktum is also weighing his Formula E future. Nissan’s choice was influenced by board-level pressure to prioritize Formula E experience, even as Volpe acknowledged Martins’ talent and strong F2 performance.
The announcement follows weeks of uncertainty around Oliver Rowland, Nissan’s outgoing champion, who briefly explored options with Penske and Envision before reaffirming his commitment to the team. Volpe confirmed Rowland’s multi-year deal remains intact, with discussions focusing on Nissan’s Gen4 plans. Maloney will begin simulator work next week and is set to drive the Nissan Gen4 development car next month, having logged recent tests with the Lola Gen4 test car at Estoril.
