Lola Yamaha ABT is preparing for a thrilling debut in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, confirming its driver line-up with rookie Zane Maloney partnering “Mr. Formula E” Lucas di Grassi. This dynamic pairing merges the vast experience of Di Grassi, the most seasoned driver in Formula E history, with the youthful promise of Maloney, setting the stage for the team to make waves in its first season.
“We’re delighted to welcome Zane to the team for the upcoming Formula E season, completing our driver pairing as one of the most exciting on next season’s grid,” said Till Bechtolsheimer, Chairman of Lola Cars Ltd.
“Zane is a hugely talented young driver with an abundance of speed and potential and, alongside Lucas, we have an ideal combination of youth and experience. Zane has demonstrated his abilities in a variety of junior categories and proven himself as a race winner, and we’re looking forward to seeing him get behind the wheel in testing, and then at round one in São Paulo.”
At just 20 years old, Maloney has already established a formidable reputation in the world of motorsport. Hailing from Barbados, his career highlights include winning the British Formula 4 Championship, finishing runner-up in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, and being named FIA Rookie of the Year in 2022. Currently third in the FIA Formula 2 Championship and serving as a reserve driver for the Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber, Maloney’s rise has been meteoric. His role as a reserve and development driver for the Andretti team since 2023 has also given him valuable Formula E experience, having completed several test sessions.
“I am delighted to be part of the Lola Yamaha ABT team and looking forward to this exciting challenge,” Maloney said.
“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 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.”
ABT CEO, Thomas Biermaier, also voiced his enthusiasm about the team’s new addition, saying, “We are very much looking forward to having Zane as part of the team for Season 11, and he has already brought a breath of fresh air during our first days working together.”
“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 Formula E.”
Maloney will be working alongside Lucas di Grassi, one of the most experienced drivers in the series. With a career that spans multiple seasons and records, Di Grassi’s wealth of knowledge will be key to Maloney’s development as they work together to help Lola Yamaha ABT make a strong impact in its debut season.
Starting his career karting on the 0.9 km Bushy Park circuit in Barbados, Maloney quickly made his mark, competing against older juniors and honing his race craft. His success in European karting, British F4, Formula Regional European Championship, and Formula 3, where he secured numerous wins, has paved the way for his step into Formula E.
Having already joined the team for testing in Varano, Italy, Maloney is now in Spain preparing for the season ahead. “We won’t know how good our package is until São Paulo. I am confident that I have the raw speed to be competitive, but experience is key in Formula E, so I will do everything possible to catch up here as quickly as possible,” he commented.
The eleventh ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season will commence in São Paulo on 7 December. All teams will gather for the official pre-season test in Valencia, Spain, in early November. Lola’s entry into Formula E, in partnership with ABT, marks the beginning of a wider collaboration aimed at exploring sustainable motorsport technologies. The team’s powertrain, developed by Lola and its technical partner Yamaha Motor Company, is the first step in Lola’s long-term strategy to focus on electrification, hydrogen, and sustainable fuels and materials.
As the season approaches, anticipation is high for Lola Yamaha ABT’s debut, with its promising driver line-up poised to compete at the highest level with a blend of experience and raw talent.
