Sauber reserve driver Zane Maloney shocks fans as he ditches F1 dreams for Formula E

In a surprising turn of events, Sauber reserve driver Zane Maloney has confirmed that he will not be joining Sauber as their new Formula 1 driver. Instead, the talented Barbadian racer has signed with the newly formed Lola Yamaha ABT team in the Formula E championship. 

Currently, competing in Formula 2, Maloney had expressed a strong desire to secure a seat in Formula 1 initially, emphasizing his focus solely on that goal. Despite earlier tests with Andretti's Formula E team, he has chosen to take a different path just a month later.

Maloney's decision marks a significant step in his racing career, as he embarks on this new journey in Formula E. "I am delighted to be part of the Lola Yamaha ABT team and looking forward to this exciting challenge," Maloney said in a statement.

He acknowledged the unique nature of the opportunity, stating, "Although I already know the championship well, this is a completely new chapter for me. Working with such an experienced team, and alongside such a successful driver, is the perfect next step."

Lucas di Grassi is set to partner with Maloney!

His teammate will be none other than Lucas di Grassi, a seasoned driver with a wealth of experience in the series. Maloney expressed admiration for Di Grassi's career, saying, "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."

The Lola Yamaha ABT team has also welcomed Maloney with open arms. Till Bechtolsheimer, Chairman of Lola Cars Ltd., shared his enthusiasm for the new addition, stating, “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."

He further praised Maloney's potential, remarking, “Zane is a hugely talented young driver with an abundance of speed and potential. Alongside Lucas, we have an ideal combination of youth and experience."