EXCLUSIVE: Maloney opens up about his transition to Formula E

For the 2024–25 Formula E season, Zane Maloney joined forces with former champion Lucas di Grassi at Lola Yamaha ABT, forming a compelling driver line-up that combines youthful energy with seasoned expertise. At just 21 years old, Maloney arrived with an impressive track record, having clinched the British F4 title and finished as runner-up in FIA Formula 3. Most recently, he concluded his final Formula 2 campaign in a strong fourth place.

Though only in his rookie Formula E season with Lola Yamaha ABT, Maloney does have experience at the top levels of motorsport. He served as a reserve driver for Red Bull Racing and Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber in 2023 and 2024 respectively. His first taste of Formula E came through testing with Andretti in 2023, setting the stage for his full-time debut in the all-electric championship.

Born and raised in Barbados, Maloney’s motorsport journey began in local karting before advancing swiftly through the European junior formula ranks. His rise has been defined by both talent and determination, as he consistently proved himself on increasingly competitive stages.

Maloney’s switch: choosing Formula E over Formula 2

During the Monaco E-Prix weekend, Zane Maloney spoke to Fastest Formula News about his transition from the world of Formula 2 and 3 to Formula E.

Faced with the prospect of sitting out the season or continuing to race, Maloney made a decisive choice. He recognised that remaining in Formula 2 would demand significant sponsorship and financial backing—an unsustainable route for a young driver seeking long-term stability in motorsport. Formula E, however, offered a paid, professional opportunity that aligned with his goal of building a viable career.

“It’s been great,” he said. “What motivated that decision was when I asked myself the question: did I want to sit at home this year, or did I want to have a race seat?”

“Of course, when you’re in Formula 2, if it’s sponsors or whatever, you’re paying to be there. Whereas Formula E is a paid championship and I wanted to make a career out of motorsports. So that was the decision I had to make.”

Formula E the right decision for Maloney

Determined not to lose momentum, Maloney seized the chance to race with Lola Yamaha ABT. The environment felt right from the start. The team began to gel, communication improved, and their performances steadily followed. Though stepping away from the traditional Formula 1 ladder was not an easy decision, it was ultimately the right one for the Barbadian driver.

Each race brought growing confidence and familiarity with the technical demands of Formula E. Maloney adapted quickly and proved he could thrive in a different racing ecosystem—one that values efficiency, precision, and adaptability.

“And yeah, obviously, I haven’t regretted it one bit. I think that I’ve had an amazing time so far with Lola Yamaha ABT, and we’re just getting better, we’re working better together. So I’m looking forward to the rest of the year with them.”

Mastering energy management as the greatest challenge in Formula E

Zane Maloney quickly discovered that competing in Formula E required a complete shift in driving philosophy. Unlike Formula 3 and Formula 2—where the emphasis lies in maximising outright speed and pushing the car to its limit—Formula E demands calculated energy management. For Maloney, this was the steepest part of the learning curve.

“I think the energy side of things. Saving the energy is a very different way of driving compared to what we do as young drivers coming up in F3 and F2. There’s a lot to learn when it comes to that.”

The contrast was stark. The instinct to attack every lap flat out had to be replaced by a more strategic, measured approach—something that takes time to master. It gave Maloney new respect for the experienced drivers who consistently perform at the front of the field in Formula E.

“I think that that’s where you see so many experienced drivers in Formula E because it takes a long time to learn that. I’m just trying right now to fast-forward that learning process as much as I can.”

“But generally, I’m still going to have to go through those processes over time to really learn much about the energy stuff.”

“So I’d say that’s the hardest part. I mean, we’re used to pushing a car on one lap as fast as we can. We’re not really used to the energy side of things.”

Maloney on how Lucas di Grassi helped him settle into the team

Working alongside Lucas di Grassi has been one of the standout aspects of Zane Maloney’s rookie Formula E season. Di Grassi, the most experienced driver on the grid, brought invaluable insight to the new Lola Yamaha ABT setup. Despite the 10-year age gap between them, Maloney showed deep respect for the wealth of experience his teammate offered.

“It’s been amazing. I mean, he’s the most experienced on the grid. He’s old enough to be my dad, so that’s quite funny. I always tell him that.”

Di Grassi’s extensive experience with multiple manufacturers and teams made him a crucial asset as the team navigated its early development stages. His knowledge of ABT in particular helped bring stability to the team, and his willingness to share advice was instrumental in Maloney’s progress.

“But no, generally, he’s been great. I mean, obviously, coming in as a new team, new manufacturer, we have a lot to learn. And he’s been with loads of manufacturers and loads of different teams. So he has a lot of experience to give to us. And he’s worked with ABT for a long time as well.“

Their partnership has been mutually beneficial. Di Grassi’s guidance has been vital, but the two drivers also push each other to improve, creating a healthy and competitive dynamic. This mutual drive has accelerated the team’s growth, and Maloney values both the mentorship.

So he’s been very welcoming. We’re getting along well together. And yeah, he’s pushing me. I’m pushing him. And that’s how it should be. So we plan on moving forward the same way as we have.”

He accepted that the learning progress will take time

Maloney understands that his adaptation to Formula E will take time. He has been learning continuously, both during races and after them. Despite extensive simulator work, Maloney understands that he can only learn some lessons through real race experience. He has, therefore, embraced the process, knowing that growth in the series is gradual.

“I think I’m adapting quite well. It’s always about, again, sometimes you have to go through the experience to then learn afterwards. And that’s the process that we’re going in right now.”

“A lot of the races, I’m learning throughout the race and I’m learning after the race for the next race. So you can’t really fast forward that too much. I mean, we’re doing a lot of work on the simulator to try to fast forward it as much as we can.”

Miami E-Prix a significant milestone in Maloney’s Formula E development

The Miami E-Prix marked a significant milestone in Maloney’s development. It was his first true peloton-style race, and although a post-race penalty cost him, the team had still scored a point on track. That result boosted his confidence, reinforcing the value of each experience in his learning journey.

“But generally, Miami, I would say, was the first peloton race that I’ve done. So when I think about how it went and how we did as a team, it was amazing. We obviously scored a point on track before the penalty.”

Off the track, Maloney’s discipline and focus are evident. He told Fastest Formula News that he remains fully committed to the process, doing everything possible to grow into the demands of Formula E.

“So just generally trying to work as hard as possible every day, training in the gym, eating well, and being mentally prepared for learning all of these things.”

Sean Maloney and Lewis Hamilton – Zane Maloney’s racing role models

When asked about role models, Maloney credited his family as the greatest influence on his racing career. His father, who introduced him to motorsport, played a pivotal role, and the fact that racing runs in the family made his journey even more special. Maloney credited this family legacy and their support as having been instrumental to his development as a driver.

“I mean, the obvious one is my family, my dad, who started me out in racing. I think it’s quite unique where my entire family race. So it’s six or seven of us that race. Obviously, I had the opportunity to take it further. They didn’t.”

In addition to his family, Lewis Hamilton has been a significant inspiration for Maloney. Having admired Hamilton from a young age, Maloney was even fortunate enough to drive with him when Hamilton visited Barbados. The influence of both his father and Hamilton has been integral to Maloney’s mindset and approach to racing, pushing him to pursue his dreams with determination.

“But them and then obviously Lewis Hamilton, I’ve looked up to my entire life. He’s come to Barbados a few times, [I’ve] driven with him. So yeah, he’s been an inspiration for me, for sure.”

“Yeah, I would say then my dad and Lewis,” he concluded