5 Minutes With… F2 Driver Zane Maloney

In his latest interview, George spends five minutes with Formula 2 driver Zane Maloney to talk about how he started in racing, when he realised he could turn racing into a career, and more…

To learn more about Zane Maloney visit:

Zane Maloney Racing

Formula 2 Profile Page

About Zane Maloney

Zane Maloney, a Barbadian racing prodigy, has marked his presence in the competitive arena of motorsport with remarkable achievements in a relatively short span of time. Born on October 2, 2003, Maloney has rapidly ascended through the ranks of karting and single-seater racing, clinching the British F4 championship in 2019 and continuing to demonstrate his skill set in the subsequent tiers of formula racing. His talent and determination are reflected in his performance as a runner-up in the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship, showcasing his adaptability and prowess behind the wheel.

In 2024, Maloney continues his trajectory in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, representing Rodin Motorsport, a continuity from the previous season when the team was known as Rodin Carlin. This progression into Formula 2 signifies his growth and ability to compete at higher levels, reinforcing his status as a promising talent and one of the youngest competitors in the field. His engagement with the sport began at an age when most children are just learning to read, initiating his racing journey at just three years old, an early start that has contributed to his deep understanding of racing dynamics.

Maloney’s career is further distinguished by his association with prominent racing entities; he was signed as a reserve driver for Red Bull Racing’s Formula 1 team in 2023. This aligns him with a brand known for nurturing young talent, offering him invaluable exposure to the pinnacle of motorsport. As the first Formula 2 driver from Barbados and the wider Caribbean, Maloney is breaking new ground for his nation, setting an example and potentially inspiring the next generation of racers from the region.

Early Life and Karting Career

Zane Maloney’s formative years in Barbados set the stage for a promising driving career, which began with impressive performances in youth karting competitions.

Beginnings in Barbados

Born on October 2, 2003, in Barbados, Zane Maloney was introduced to motorsports at an early age. His family, recognizing his enthusiasm for racing, were instrumental in nurturing his talents. Starting at the tender age of three, Zane’s proximity to the race track and the support from his relatives laid the foundation for his future success in motorsports.

Karting Championships

During the crucial period from 2016 to 2018, Maloney’s career in karting ascended as he secured multiple national titles. By the age of ten, he had already bagged the Barbados Karting Association championship five times. These triumphs in Barbados heralded Maloney’s entry onto the international karting stage, where he continued to excel and build a reputation as a formidable competitor on the circuit. His achievements in karting made him a notable figure in the Caribbean and set him on a path to global recognition in motorsports.

Rise Through Single Seater Series

Zane Maloney demonstrated remarkable progress through single seater racing, achieving significant milestones including titles and podium finishes.

British F4 Success

In 2019, Zane Maloney made an impressive entrance into single seater racing by competing in the British F4 Championship. His performance was extraordinary, securing the title as the British F4 champion. Maloney’s speed and skill on the track earned him numerous podiums, race wins, and pole positions, distinguishing him as a formidable competitor from the onset of his single seater career.

Progression to FIA Formula 3

Building on his earlier success, Maloney advanced to the FIA Formula 3 Championship. Here, his talent continued to shine, culminating in a second-place finish as a rookie in the championship standings. This achievement underscored his potential as he adapted to the higher levels of competition with impressive speed.

Formula Regional European Achievements

Further progression in his career led Maloney to participate in the 2021 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine. During his time in the series, he consistently performed well, amassing valuable racing experience. Maloney’s ability to quickly master new challenges was evident as he continued to collect podium finishes, reflecting his growing expertise in single seater racing series.

Association with Professional Teams

Zane Maloney has progressed through the ranks of junior motorsport, aligning with notable teams such as Carlin, Trident, and most recently the Sauber Academy.

Signing with Carlin

In the formative stages of his racing career, Maloney signed with Carlin, a respected name in junior formula racing. During his time with Carlin, often referred to as Rodin Carlin following a partnership, Maloney demonstrated his capability by claiming victories and showcasing his skill set in highly competitive environments.

Development with Trident

Continuing his ascension in the racing world, Maloney joined Trident for the FIA Formula 3 Championship. His tenure at Trident was marked by significant success, including a second-place finish in the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship. Here, he refined his technique and honed his racing instincts, leading to substantial accomplishments on the track.

Integration into Sauber Academy

Maloney’s career saw a new chapter with his integration into the Sauber Academy. As a Sauber Academy driver, his potential was recognized by a team with a history in Formula 1 development. Furthermore, Maloney was named a reserve driver for the Sauber F1 Team. His involvement with Sauber extends into the 2024 Formula 2 Championship with Rodin Motorsport, indicating a commitment to developing his talents further within the tiers of professional motorsport.

Performance in Major Championships

Zane Maloney’s achievements in motorsport have been marked by sterling performances in the Euroformula Open and notable successes in the FIA Formula 2 Championship.

Euroformula Open

In the Euroformula Open, a competition that serves as a significant stepping stone for drivers aiming for higher levels in racing, Maloney has shown promising talent. His journey through the ranks of motorsport saw him competing in this championship, where he honed his skills and built a foundation for his future endeavors in racing series.

FIA Formula 2 Standouts

Maloney’s progression to the FIA Formula 2 Championship has been characterized by impressive results. His debut in F2 with Rodin Motorsport, formerly known as Rodin Carlin, was a testament to his racing prowess. Early in the 2024 F2 season, he clinched a feature race victory, showcasing his ability to contend for the championship lead. Consistently strong performances have seen him achieve multiple podium finishes, including feature race victories, validating his position as a formidable competitor in the championship. The prowess Maloney exhibits on the track is often complemented by setting the fastest lap, underlining his speed and racing acumen.

Future Prospects and Potential

With a series of successes in Formula 2 and a notable affiliation with the Sauber Academy, Zane Maloney’s trajectory in motorsports signals a promising future, with potential F1 involvement.

Red Bull Junior Team

Once affiliated with Red Bull, Maloney is no longer part of their Junior Team. He had been associated with Red Bull Racing as a junior driver and even served as a reserve driver. However, the Barbadian has continued to make strides in his racing career independently of this previous association.

Formula 1 Aspirations

Maloney’s association with the Sauber Academy has advanced his prospects in Formula 1. As a part of this prestigious development program, he has solidified his status as a Formula 1 reserve driver. This connection to Sauber also ties him to the Stake F1 Team, where he may have opportunities to participate in Grand Prix events during the 2024 F1 season.