Source – e-Formula.news
Nissan’s decision to end Sacha Fenestraz’s contract has left his future in the FIA Formula E championship up in the air, according to reports.
In a stunning twist, Sacha Fenestraz’s future in Formula E has been thrown into turmoil just as he seemed poised to continue his journey with Nissan alongside Oliver Rowland for the 2024-25 season. Despite showing flashes of potential, Fenestraz’s performance in Season 10 left much to be desired, as he struggled to match Rowland’s impressive form. Now, rumors swirling within the paddock suggest that Nissan is preparing to make a last-minute reversal, potentially sidelining Fenestraz in favor of bringing back their former driver, Norman Nato.
Fenestraz, a French-Argentinian talent who first entered the Formula E scene with Dragon Penske at the close of Season 8, has had a challenging road since securing a full-time seat with Nissan in Season 9. While his rookie season showed promise, with four points finishes, including an impressive fourth place in Monaco, his subsequent performances did little to silence the critics. Season 10 saw Fenestraz achieve four consecutive top 10 finishes, yet the overall lack of progress left many questioning his long-term viability in the series.
The whispers of uncertainty began to grow louder as the season progressed. With Rowland delivering four consecutive podium finishes, the contrast between the two drivers became increasingly stark. Fenestraz, who once harbored hopes of solidifying his place in the team, found himself under growing scrutiny. Even as the European leg of the season offered glimpses of improvement, the final third of the year saw Fenestraz struggling once more, further fueling speculation about his future.
Nissan’s decision, if confirmed, marks a significant shift in their strategy. Norman Nato, who had been expected to focus on his commitments in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Team Jota, now appears to be on the brink of making a dramatic return to Formula E. Nato’s previous stint with Nissan in Season 9 was marked by a late surge in form, culminating in a series of points finishes and a podium in Rome. His ability to deliver under pressure and his familiarity with the team could be key factors driving Nissan’s decision to bring him back.
For Fenestraz, the potential loss of his seat comes as a harsh blow. In a candid interview ahead of the Monaco E-Prix, he admitted to facing a “hard time,” particularly as he watched Rowland thrive while his own results remained inconsistent. His frustrations were evident, as the pressure to perform mounted with each passing race. The reality of Formula E is that it is an unforgiving environment, where the difference between securing a seat and being left out in the cold can be a matter of mere tenths of a second.
The possible return of Nato would inject a new dynamic into the Nissan team, bringing a blend of experience and resilience that could prove vital in the highly competitive landscape of Formula E. However, it also serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of motorsport, where the fortunes of drivers can change in an instant. Fenestraz’s journey in Formula E, while filled with potential, now hangs in the balance, and the paddock is left waiting to see if Nissan’s rumored U-turn will indeed come to pass.
As the 2024-25 season looms on the horizon, the fate of Fenestraz and the potential return of Nato are likely to dominate headlines. The decisions made in these crucial final moments will shape not only the future of the drivers involved but also the trajectory of the Nissan team as they prepare for another season in the electric racing series. With so much at stake, the world of Formula E is bracing itself for what promises to be a dramatic and potentially game-changing development.
