Zane Maloney 'very ready' for major Lola Formula E opportunity

Zane Maloney is "very ready" for the opportunity to help develop Lola Yamaha ABT’s Gen4 car next season, while also competing in his second Formula E campaign.

Lola entered Formula E at the start of the recently completed season and found itself at the back of the grid, largely due to limited data and a weaker package compared to its more experienced rivals.

Additionally, Maloney was the only true rookie on the grid, having never previously competed in an E-Prix – only taking part in various rookie test sessions for Andretti. To make the first round in São Paulo, Maloney skipped the Formula 2 season finale in Abu Dhabi last year.

On the other side of the garage, veteran Lucas di Grassi managed to clinch a shock podium for the outfit in Miami. However, the bulk of Lola’s debut season was spent towards the rear of the field.

A similar situation is expected for the upcoming campaign, with Maloney likely to be partnered once again by di Grassi.

However, for Lola, the real focus is on Gen4, which will be introduced at the end of 2026, following the next season of the all-electric championship.

It presents a major opportunity for the historic British manufacturer, as every team will be starting from scratch with brand-new machinery.

Factory testing is expected to begin in November, meaning each manufacturer will be developing its Gen4 car while simultaneously competing in the final season of the Gen3 era.

For Maloney, this offers a chance to take a significant step forward – both personally and as a key contributor to the team’s future.

Asked if he is ready for the challenge of developing a new car alongside racing, Maloney told RacingNews365: I'm very ready for it. From my side, I think from the team side as well, it can only be seen as an opportunity. 

"Everything's back to zero [in Gen4]. Obviously, we've come in to the championship at a very good moment, but a very bad moment at the same time, in terms of already two years into the generation of the car. 

"So every team has it a bit more dialled in, let's say, the powertrain and everything. So we're a bit in the dark coming into Gen3. 

"Whereas Gen4, where there's a level playing field, everything starts from scratch, and we can really try to make the difference with these very smart engineers in the team."