"Way of driving will be more towards an F2 car": Maloney expects Gen4 advantage for young Formula E drivers

The Gen4 era of Formula E could play into the hands of drivers with fresh Formula 2 experience in particular, according to Lola Yamaha ABT driver Zane Maloney. The Barbadian believes that Formula E experience, which was so important in the first three generations of cars, could become less important in the future.

Until now, experience in Formula E was regarded as one of the most important factors for success. In particular, the complex energy management and the special driving style of the vehicles have always posed a major challenge for newcomers. But this could change with the start of the coming season, says Lola Yamaha ABT driver Zane Maloney.

The 22-year-old from Barbados moved from Formula 2 to become a regular driver in the electric racing series at the start of the 11th Formula E season, and the same applies to Taylor Barnard. Only Formula E newcomer Pepe Marti has more recent Formula 2 experience. This is precisely where he sees a potential advantage: "I think the way of driving the Gen4 car will be more towards an F2 car compared to what we have now," Maloney told The Race. Drivers from the junior series could therefore possibly get used to the new cars more quickly than established Formula E drivers.

"When you're 35-40 years old and you've been through 20 years, you have more experience than someone like me, of course," explains Maloney. "But that gets negated when it's a new generation completely, because everyone's learning this at the same rate."

Adaptability as a potential trump card

With the generation change of racing cars, adaptability to a new racing car will probably play more of a role: "I always think that I'm good at adapting to new cars, new tracks, new conditions. That's something in my career that I've always stood out in being able to do."

This would be a glimmer of hope for the Lola Yamaha ABT driver, as the team is still rebuilding and has so far struggled to realise its full potential. In his debut season, Maloney failed to score any points despite a decent performance, but he has already scored his first points this season.

The 22-year-old was subsequently unlucky on several occasions, being pushed into the wall at the start of the first Jeddah race and receiving a drive-through penalty at the Madrid E-Prix for using too much energy on the way to the starting grid. This immediately cancelled out his promising 10th place on the grid.

Maloney: "I'm getting the most out of the car every time"

"I also really feel like every time I go on the track in the car now I'm getting the most out of it and the team are also improving in every aspect," Maloney sees the progress he and his team are making. "But of course, then we have the small reliability stuff and a bit less efficiency in the races; it means that you don't really see it on the timing sheet at the end of the race, unless you're really looking for it."

He describes being able to better utilise the car and its capabilities. "So that along with how well the team is operating - and the progress we’ve all made is really strong."

The new generation of cars will be unveiled next week in Le Castellet, France. Its racing debut is planned for the start of the 13th Formula E season at the end of 2026. However, whether Maloney's prediction comes true and young drivers actually benefit will only become clear when the Gen4 cars make their first race appearance.