The Madrid E-Prix arrives at a significant moment for Formula E, both on and off the track. While teams prepare for a demanding high-speed circuit, the championship itself faces scrutiny following reports that all 20 drivers sent a letter of concern to the FIA over governance issues. Amid that backdrop, Norman Nato heads into the 2026 Madrid E-Prix weekend looking to convert strong underlying pace into results.
The Nissan Formula E Team driver has demonstrated consistency in qualifying and improved race craft this season, yet circumstances have repeatedly denied him a full reward.
With the Madrid race followed by a key Rookie Test featuring Victor Martins and Abbi Pulling, the weekend represents both immediate opportunity and long-term development for Nissan.
A season of promise — and missed opportunities
In an interview with Pit Debrief ahead of the 2026 Madrid E-Prix, Nato described his current season as one of contrasts, where performance and results have not aligned. Strong qualifying speed has placed him in contention, yet setbacks have disrupted multiple race weekends.
“Up and down in a way that honestly like very very good in Qualifying; quite a good step forward in race compared to last year but in two or three occasions quite unlucky and some problems as well which honestly that kind of killed our race.
This opening reflection highlighted the core theme of his campaign: progress undermined by misfortune. While he has improved race pace compared to last season, external factors have repeatedly intervened.
“We had Sao Paulo, we know what happened and Jeddah race when I was leading the race and we had an overheating with something on the car which yeah, kind of put us out of top 10. And yeah it’s the kind of days where you I would say as opportunity to score big and you don’t do it so it’s a bit of a missed opportunity.
In São Paulo, Nato retired on Lap 17 after a collision with teammate Oliver Rowland, while in Jeddah a technical issue cost him a potential top result while leading. These moments have proven decisive in shaping his points tally.
“So a bit frustrating because, yeah like with the pace I’m having like so far [at] the beginning of the season, it’s not many points but yeah, it’s quite promising for the rest of the season.”
Despite the frustration, Nato maintains confidence that his current form can translate into stronger results over the remainder of the campaign.
Nato on adapting to an unpredictable challenge at the 2026 Formula E Madrid E-Prix
Looking ahead to Madrid, Nato expects another unpredictable weekend. Formula E’s nature means performance can shift dramatically from one session to the next, placing a premium on preparation and adaptability.
“Never know what to expect in Formula E, to be honest. In Jeddah, from the first day to second day, everything can change pretty quickly so we just do the same as always trying to prepare as best as possible. It’s a very different layout compared to what we are seeing in Formula E. It’s a very very high-speed track which, yeah since we say Valencia we didn’t have this kind of layout so yeah, it’s quite a challenging one to be honest.”
The Madrid circuit’s high-speed characteristics add another layer of complexity, contrasting with the tighter, more technical layouts typically seen in the series. As a result, teams must quickly adapt their setups and strategies.
Rookie Test strengthens future pipeline
Beyond the race, attention will also turn to Sunday’s Rookie Test, where Nissan will field Victor Martins and Abbi Pulling. The session offers valuable experience for emerging drivers while also supporting team development work.
“It’s really good, that’s where I’m coming from so I would say that I fully support that. You know before being a race driver in Formula E, I’ve been a reserve driver or development driver for Venturi and because of the job I’d done in the simulator and doing the rookie test it permitted me to jump in the car to replace Felipe Massa in Venturi.
Nato’s own journey through the development pathway informs his strong support for the initiative. His experience as a simulator and reserve driver ultimately opened the door to a race seat.
“So yeah, it’s very good, they are doing more and more because in the past, [it] was only one day if I’m correct, when I was still a rookie, and now they are doing much more. So it’s really good for them to take some opportunity and even for us the team to have the opportunity as well to try different setups for them because a lot of them now have a lot of experience in Formula E doing the Rookie Test already for two or three years, plus a lot of simulators so it’s also like a way for us to use it as a practice session.”
Consequently, the test now serves a dual purpose: nurturing talent while giving teams additional technical insight.
Nato gives perspective on the path beyond Formula 1
Having competed in GP2—now Formula 2—Nato understands the pressures facing drivers aiming for Formula 1. However, he stressed the importance of recognising alternative career paths.
“Well for me, the shift has been actually like, as soon as I kind of realised that I couldn’t make it to F1 like it was pretty clear for me that I wanted to move to Formula E and endurance which is what I did at the same time, and I’m still doing both.
His decision to pivot early allowed him to build a sustainable and successful career across multiple disciplines.
“So that’s why for me, like at the end it’s try your best in F2, if you get the opportunity to go to F1, good, if you don’t, don’t regret it like at the end like we know it’s very difficult to make it to F1. It’s, of course, it is a challenge but not only but you can do a really great car outside of Formula 1, in endurance, in Formula E or some other series so… and yeah, I’m really happy to be where I am today. I’m in my life, I’m driving really fast cars, so yeah I can’t complain.”
His message was clear: success in motorsport extends well beyond Formula 1.
Nato on the rapid evolution defines Formula E ahead of 2026 Madrid E-Prix
As the championship continues to grow, Nato points to constant evolution as its defining feature. From car development to calendar expansion, progress remains rapid, with each season introducing new technical elements and fresh locations that reshape the competitive landscape.
“Just the evolution, I would say, [of] everything the car especially, but also the championship tracks we are going. Yeah, you know, like being able to do Monaco full track, two days in Monaco as well it’s very positive; o go to Tokyo, to race at night in Tokyo this year will be special as well.
The expansion to iconic venues and new markets reflects the series’ ambition to broaden its global appeal, while also giving drivers the opportunity to compete on a wider variety of circuits and conditions. This variety, in turn, continues to test both teams and drivers in new ways.
“So yeah like there’s a lot happening and it’s a short amount of time as well in this championship. At the end, it’s still really new so that’s why yeah of course it’s still not perfect and there’s still room for improvement but the improvements are coming quick every year and with the Gen4 it’s going to be another big step so no, everyone is doing a good job on that and as I said, I can drive at like, you can see that, the level of drivers in Formula E the level of this championship is just amazing.”
Even as the championship evolves at pace, Nato acknowledges that further refinement remains necessary. At the same time, he makes it clear that the direction of travel is positive, with consistent improvements helping to raise both the technical standard and the overall competitiveness of the series.
Innovation and iconic moments
Technological development also plays a central role in Formula E’s progression, with recent innovations delivering noticeable performance gains. These changes not only improve outright speed but also reshape race dynamics, strategy and driver confidence.
“Four-wheel drive (4WD), it’s for sure something which has been a very positive surprise. First time I tried it this year, I’ve been really impressed by how powerful it was so yeah it’s definitely something which was a step forward.
The introduction of four-wheel drive has enhanced performance, particularly in key phases of the race, marking a significant step forward for the cars. It has also added a new layer of complexity for drivers, who must adapt their approach to maximise the system’s potential.
“And yeah as I said, like the evolution, I would say of the championship by going to different locations, also like driving in Monaco for many drivers it’s a dream. It’s actually something after Formula 2 where I was a bit worried I was like maybe it was my last time in you know in Monaco because it’s such an iconic track and especially for me I’m born in Cannes so it’s a bit like my home race and I was like every year I’m like if I stop single seater it was my last time in you know.
“So yeah but the fact that now we’re doing 4WD in Monaco and as I said, I’m going to Tokyo on Friday night, and yeah it’s just it’s just cool like as the championship keep evolving. This year as well with Miami like it’s good like they keep pushing and the car obviously like the Gen4 will be a massive step forward.”
Nato reflects on Formula E growth amid wider tensions ahead of 2026 Madrid E-Prix
Finally, Nato reflected on the broader trajectory of the championship at a time when off-track issues have come into sharper focus. With discussions around governance emerging in recent days, the direction of Formula E remains a key talking point across the paddock.
“As I said like it’s still like a quite new championship at the end. Like even if people think our community has been existing for so many years, it’s true but it’s also like from where they started and where they are now where we are now it’s, I would say, it’s still the beginning.
Despite its progress, Formula E remains in a formative phase, with further growth expected in the coming years. The championship continues to build its identity, balancing rapid innovation with the need for long-term stability.
“I think there’s still a lot more to come. There’s still a lot to improve and that’s why like consistently with the championship with drivers everyone is quite openly like talking and presenting new ideas to help the championship to grow and that’s what we like in Formula E that drivers are actually in a way that can speak and try to work all together with the championship to help this championship to try to get better to and yeah to make it even better for the future.”
In that context, the reported letter to the FIA underlines the drivers’ desire to play an active role in shaping the championship’s future. As Madrid hosts the next round, both the on-track action and the wider direction of Formula E remain firmly in focus, with momentum building in multiple areas at once.
