Zane Maloney, currently third in the Formula 2 Drivers’ standings, will switch to Formula E for the upcoming 11th season of the FIA Formula E World Championship. The Bajan driver has been confirmed as the second driver for ABT-Lola, partnering with seasoned Formula E veteran Lucas di Grassi. This move makes Maloney the first and only rookie announced for Season 11, underlining Lola’s commitment to nurturing new motorsport talent.
A Familiar Face in Formula E
Maloney is no stranger to the Formula E paddock. He served as Andretti’s reserve driver for Season 10, participating in rookie tests at Misano and Berlin alongside fellow F2 racer Jak Crawford. His switch follows a recent trend of drivers transitioning from the Formula 1 feeder series to Formula E, with Taylor Barnard having been announced as a full-time driver for NEOM McLaren in August.
In a statement, Maloney expressed his excitement about joining the team: “I am delighted to be part of the Lola Yamaha ABT team and looking forward to this exciting challenge. Although I already know the championship well, this is a completely new chapter for me, so working with such an experienced team, and alongside such a successful driver, is the perfect next step.”
Learning from a Champion
Maloney will team up with Lucas di Grassi, a former Formula E champion known for his experience and success in the all-electric series. Maloney highlighted the opportunity to learn from di Grassi, stating, “I’ve followed and admired Lucas’s battles over the past seasons, including when he became champion. I’m sure that I will learn a lot from him and together we will push both ourselves and the development of the car forward.”
The 20-year-old has already begun integrating with the team, participating in testing sessions with ABT-Lola in Varano and Spain, familiarizing himself with the GEN3 Evo car, codenamed “T-001.” Despite being new to full-time competition in Formula E, Maloney is eager to prove his abilities and contribute to the team’s development.
A Strong F2 Campaign and a New Challenge Ahead
As Maloney gears up for his debut in Formula E, he continues to compete in the final rounds of the F2 season, where he has shown impressive form. He currently sits in third place, with victories in Bahrain’s Sprint and Feature races and five additional podium finishes, keeping him in the title hunt alongside leader Gabriel Bortoleto and second-placed Isack Hadjar.
Maloney will have ample time to adapt to the nuances of Formula E racing before the season opener in São Paulo, and he acknowledges the steep learning curve ahead. “We won’t know how good our package is until São Paulo,” Maloney said. “I am confident that I have the raw speed to be competitive, but experience is key in Formula E, so I will do everything I can to catch up here as quickly as possible.”
Looking Ahead to São Paulo
With a promising F2 season still underway, Maloney could arrive in São Paulo as an F2 champion, adding another accolade to his resume before embarking on his new venture. His move to Formula E signals a fresh start and a unique challenge, as he aims to make his mark alongside some of the most experienced drivers in electric racing.
As Maloney steps into this new chapter, his focus will be on building his skills, gaining experience, and contributing to ABT-Lola’s pursuit of success in the evolving world of Formula E.
