Replacement for Lotterer found: Norman Nato becomes new Andretti team-mate of Formula E champion Dennis

Andretti has found a successor for Andre Lotterer: As the US-based racing team announced on Tuesday afternoon, Norman Nato will drive alongside world champion Jake Dennis in Formula E in the future. After weeks of speculation about a possible engagement of Formula 2 driver Felipe Drugovich, the racing team decided in favour of the former Nissan driver.

Once he won an E-Prix for Venturi, and it was with Nissan that he made the majority of his 33 Formula E starts to date. From 2024, however, Norman Nato, who also spent a season as a reserve driver for Jaguar in 2022, will change colours once again: The Frenchman will contest the 2024 season for Andretti alongside Jake Dennis. He will succeed German Andre Lotterer, who shaped the first season as a Porsche customer for the US team.

"I am confident of the direction Andretti is heading as we gear up for Season 10," said team owner Michael Andretti. "Norman brings a lot of experience and skill. Norman brings great experience and skill with him, and he caught our attention with his progress throughout the (last) season. The addition of Norman to our roster reflects our shared mindsets for the pursuit of victory and passion for winning."

Locked in for Season 10 ?

We're excited too, Norman ? pic.twitter.com/xbs3PIR8ZL

- Andretti Formula E (@AndrettiFE) September 12, 2023

Drugovich plans burst - Nato only 2nd choice?

Similar things could be said about Felipe Drugovich. The Brazilian had initially attracted Andretti's attention with two impressive rookie tests (for Maserati) and good performances in Formula 2. But because his negotiations with Alfa Romeo's Formula 1 team are still ongoing, the Formula E team decided against him, according to media reports. So Nato seems to have been only Andretti's "second choice".

But the pressure on the Frenchman is great at his new employer anyway. Just holding his own against Dennis, who had a clear grip on his teammate in 2023, is a big challenge. Added to that is the fact that he is no longer under contract with a factory team. Individually, Nato has to prove that his frequent team changes have now come to an end: He will hope that Andretti can become his "Formula E home".

Nato expected to take Andretti "to new heights"

The 31-year-old is certainly looking forward to his new duties: "I am thrilled to be a part of the Andretti Formula E family for Season 10," he says. "It's highly exciting to be given the opportunity to have a car capable of winning. I'm looking forward to working with the team and contributing to the team’s long history of success."

"We are embarking on an exciting journey," team principal Roger Griffiths added. "Norman's proven skillset and passion for racing align with our passion for victory. He is highly determined, and we are confident that his contribution will play a pivotal role in taking the team to new heights in the upcoming season."

According to 'The Race', Nato already contested a first private test with Andretti last week. Officially, however, his work will not begin until next month. This year, Formula E's pre-season testing is scheduled for 23-27 October. The cars will then be transported to Mexico City, where the new season begins on 13 January 2024.

Overview: Formula E transfers & rumours for the 2024 season

Team	Driver 1	Driver 2
ABT Cupra	Nico Müller	tbd
Avalanche Andretti	Jake Dennis	Norman Nato
DS Penske	Jean-Eric Vergne	Stoffel Vandoorne
Envision Racing	Sebastien Buemi	Robin Frijns
Jaguar TCS Racing	Mitch Evans	Nick Cassidy
Mahindra Racing	Lucas di Grassi	tbd
Maserati MSG Racing	Edo Mortara	Max Günther
Neom McLaren	Jake Hughes	Sam Bird
Nio 333	Dan Ticktum	Sergio Sette Camara
Nissan	Sacha Fenestraz	Oliver Rowland
TAG Heuer Porsche	Pascal Wehrlein	Antonio Felix da Costa

bold = officially confirmed