Zane Maloney has officially secured a seat with Lola Yamaha Abt for the 2024-25 Formula E season.
This announcement marks a significant milestone in the young driver’s career, as he transitions from the competitive arena of Formula 2 to the electric racing series, showcasing his versatility and ambition in the sport.
At just 20 years old, Zane Maloney has already made a name for himself in various junior racing categories and currently ranks third in the Formula 2 standings with two rounds remaining in the 2024 season.
The Barbardian’s impressive resume includes winning the British Formula 4 Championship, finishing as runner-up in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, and being recognized as FIA Rookie of the Year in 2022.
Maloney’s background as a reserve and development driver for the Andretti Formula E team has equipped him with essential knowledge of electric racing dynamics. His participation in various practice sessions and rookie tests has allowed him to familiarize himself with the intricacies of Formula E machinery, setting a solid foundation for his upcoming challenges.
Maloney joins Lola Yamaha Abt to partner with veteran driver Lucas di Grassi popularly known as “Mr. Formula E” who has an extensive track record in the all electric series.
“I am delighted to be part of the Lola Yamaha Abt team and looking forward to this exciting challenge,” said Maloney.
“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.
“I’ve followed and admired Luca’ 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 decision for Maloney to join Formula E comes after a period of speculation regarding his future. Initially focused on securing a seat in Formula 1, he had also served as a reserve driver for both Sauber and Andretti in recent seasons.
However, with Sauber’s lineup solidifying around established drivers like Nico Hülkenberg and Valtteri Bottas, Maloney’s path to F1 became less certain. His move to Formula E not only provides him with a competitive platform but also allows him to continue honing his skills at a high level.
Abt’s CEO Thomas Biermaier emphasized the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent, stating that bringing Maloney into their fold aligns with their long-standing tradition of supporting emerging drivers.
“We are very much looking forward to having Zane Maloney as part of the team for season 11, and he has already brought a breath of fresh air during our first days working together,” Biermaier said.
“Giving young talent a chance and supporting them has been a strong tradition at Abt for many decades and that’s why it was clear to us that we would also follow this path in FE.”
The Lola Yamaha Abt team, which has a rich history in Formula E since its inception in the 2014-15 season, is poised for an exciting new chapter with Maloney on board. The team is known for its competitive spirit and has previously claimed 4 race wins and 47 podiums alongside their Teams’ and Drivers’ title success.
The team has undergone significant changes in recent years, including partnerships with Audi and Mahindra, and is now set to debut an all-new powertrain developed in collaboration with Lola and Yamaha.
This strategic move reflects Lola Yamaha Abt’s commitment to innovation and competitiveness within the rapidly evolving landscape of electric motorsport.
As Maloney prepares for his debut season in 2024-25 Formula E, he will face a unique set of challenges that come with racing in an all-electric series.
The dynamics of Formula E are distinct from traditional motorsport; drivers must navigate not only the physical demands of racing but also strategic considerations related to energy management and race tactics.
Maloney’s experience in various junior categories will serve him well as he prepares for the upcoming 2024-25 Formula E season which is set to commence on December 7th in São Paulo, Brazil.
