Nissan becomes the first automaker to commit to the Gen4 Formula E regulations, a move expected to pave the way for other automakers to follow suit and secure their positions on the grid in 2026. This announcement, made ahead of Nissan’s first home E-Prix in Tokyo, is seen as a pivotal moment by key figures in the championship. Nissan will compete in its third consecutive set of rules, having taken over Renault’s spot at the start of the Gen2 era in 2018. Despite modest success in the past, the company has recently received increasing investments in its Formula E project, allowing it to hire new technical talent and establish a new headquarters in Paris.
Like many other automakers, Nissan has a long-term electrification program, known as Ambition 2030, which strongly emphasizes the integration of electric vehicles into its strategy. As part of this program, Nissan plans to launch 34 electrified models between the fiscal year 2024 and 2030, covering all vehicle segments. By the fiscal year 2026, the company aims for electrified vehicles to make up 40% of its global model mix, with a further increase to 60% by the end of the decade. The company believes that its participation in the Formula E series will significantly contribute to achieving these electrification goals and provide valuable insights for the development of future products.
Several other existing automakers, including Jaguar, Porsche, Mahindra, Stellantis, and ERT, are also in the process of making decisions regarding their involvement in the Gen4 regulations. Nissan Motor Corporation CEO Makoto Uchida expressed his excitement about the company’s decision, highlighting the potential for technological advancements on the track to inform the development of their upcoming products and contribute to a sustainable future.
The Gen4 regulations will bring the most significant performance increase to Formula E, with cars featuring four-wheel drive and a power output of 600kW. This represents a substantial leap from the approximately 469hp of the Gen3 era. Additionally, Gen4 cars will feature two distinct aerodynamic kits and new tires provided by Bridgestone, the new technical partner for the 2026 season.
Not long ago, Formula E faced significant technical and operational challenges. The Gen3 car encountered numerous issues, such as non-functioning parts and a failed marketing campaign that resulted in drivers crashing into barriers during testing. It was clear that changes needed to be made, and teams and manufacturers were fully aware of the need for improvement. With the arrival of the Gen4 era, Formula E extended the deadline for registration and bidding procedures, allowing for more extensive testing and development of the new hardware.
One of the main obstacles during the development of the Gen4 regulations was negotiating the costs of Non-Recoverable Engineering (NRE) between promoters and manufacturers. This agreement was crucial to securing the commitment of manufacturers, and Nissan’s decision to be the first to commit suggests that the financial model for Gen4 has been largely resolved. Currently, teams face significant financial commitments in terms of NRE cost contributions, which include the intellectual property of the cars. Therefore, board decisions had to take into account the financial management of their programs.
The head of Nissan’s team, Tommaso Volpe, expressed his excitement to continue developing and competing in Formula E until at least the end of Season 16 in 2030. He recognized Formula E as an exceptional ground to test new electric technologies and thanked Formula E Operations and the FIA for their support. This commitment from Nissan, along with the involvement of Lola-Yamaha and other potential manufacturers like Hyundai and BYD, further solidifies Formula E’s position as a leading platform for electric racing.
Youthful Brazilian driver achieves impressive victory in thrilling race
On a sunny afternoon at the Interlagos circuit, young Brazilian driver Pedro Silva surprised everyone by achieving an impressive victory in Sunday’s race. At just 21 years old, Silva showcased all his talent and determination by surpassing more experienced drivers and securing the top spot on the podium.
The race was thrilling from start to finish, with several overtakes and intense battles. Silva started in fifth position, but quickly showed he meant business. With aggressive and precise driving, he climbed through the pack and closed in on the leaders.
On the final lap, Silva was right behind the leader and seized the opportunity. With a bold maneuver, he managed to overtake and cross the finish line in first place, much to the delight of the crowd at the racetrack.
With this victory, Pedro Silva solidifies himself as one of the main talents in Brazilian motorsport. His impressive performance and daring style on the track have caught the attention of world-renowned teams, who are already considering the possibility of having him in their cars.
The promising future of Silva is a source of pride for Brazil, which has not seen such a young and talented driver emerge on the international scene in a long time. With determination and dedication, he has everything to become one of the great names in the sport in the coming years.
Pedro Silva’s next race will be at the Monza circuit in Italy. With confidence high after the victory in Interlagos, the Brazilian driver is determined to repeat the feat and achieve another podium. The Brazilian fans will be watching and supporting the young talent in this exciting stage of the championship.
