YOKOHAMA, Japan (October 23, 2026) – As the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship prepares to enter the GEN4 era, Zane Maloney faces a new challenge with Nissan Formula E Team and brings valuable experience to the task. The 23-year-old joins 2024/25 Drivers’ World Champion Oliver Rowland for Season 13, having already competed in Formula E and established himself as a race winner in junior categories, including Formula 2. With a new generation of car bringing fresh challenges and opportunities for the entire grid, Maloney shares his first impressions of GEN4, his approach to adapting to new machinery and his ambitions for the season ahead.
The new car
Season 13 is set to be the most unpredictable in years, with the introduction of the new car levelling the playing field and giving all teams competing the chance to make a fast start to the campaign. The fourth generation of Formula E machinery is by far the most advanced yet, and Nissan Formula E Team is currently working through an extensive testing program to maximize the potential of its new car.
“The GEN4 car is a big step up. With the active differential, permanent All-Wheel Drive, 600kW of power and more downforce than before, it’s really enjoyable to drive,” explained Maloney. “It’s an exciting moment for the series and we’re confident it will take Formula E to the next level. Nobody quite knows what to expect, but my first laps in the GEN4 car were great.
“We think we will still see peloton-style races, although overtaking may be more difficult due to being in All-Wheel Drive all the time. Whereas before, Attack Mode gave a huge advantage by utilizing All-Wheel Drive, we may see that reduced, but it will force teams to think outside the box on strategy. In the first race, everyone will be learning so that makes it extra important to be on the pace quickly and start the season with good results.”
Adapting to GEN4 and a new challenge
In addition to the changes of team and car, Maloney will also have to tackle tracks new to Formula E. However, the 23-year-old sees this as something to take advantage of, as his experience across different racing categories, including Formula E and Formula 2, gives him a valuable foundation as he prepares to adapt to the new machinery. He believes that the ability to adjust quickly to different cars, circuits and conditions will be particularly important in the opening races.
He adds: “I think as a driver, you’re always changing your style, even from race-to-race in the same car. One of the most important skills to have is to be adaptable to the car, circuit and conditions on any particular day. We’re already focused on what we can try in testing to know what tools we have at our disposal for when the time comes to go racing.
“We’re going to a lot of great circuits in Season 13, including some I have good memories at. I won my British F4 title at Brands Hatch and I took victory at Zandvoort in Formula 3, two tracks I really enjoy. COTA looks like an incredible circuit, with a fast and flowing Sector 1. Generally, we go to some really cool tracks in Formula E so I’m looking forward to it all.”
Early targets and working with Rowland
With the new season approaching, Maloney's immediate priority is to build a strong working relationship with the team and help develop the GEN4 car. Season 13 is set to feature 21 races, making it the longest campaign in the series' history, and a strong start could go a long way to securing a positive finish in all three championships. Maloney will also be able to draw on the experience of teammate and Season 11 World Champion Oliver Rowland, who is one of the most experienced drivers on the grid.
“My targets for the beginning of the year are to work well with the team and get to grips with everything before heading to the first race,” Maloney concluded. “On pure pace throughout my career I’ve always been there, it’s now about understanding what the team and I need from each other, which can be difficult in Formula E. The goal is to focus on getting our procedures right and then the results will come.
“Having Oli as my teammate is a big opportunity. To work with such an experienced driver and a recent champion will be amazing, I’ll try to learn as much as I can from him. It’s going well so far, he’s very straightforward when it comes to developing the car, which is great for me and the crew. He’s one of the top drivers on the grid and Nissan Formula E Team is one of the best teams, so I think we’ll make a strong combination and enjoy a successful season together.”
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About Nissan in Formula E
Nissan made its all-electric racing debut in Season 5 (2018/19) of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, becoming the first and only Japanese manufacturer to enter the series.
In Season 7 (2020/21), Nissan announced its long-term involvement in Formula E and its commitment to the GEN3 era, which ran from Season 9 (2022/23) through to the end of Season 12 (2025/26) of the all-electric racing series.
In April 2022, Nissan acquired the e.dams race team, with the Japanese automaker taking full ownership of its involvement in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
On 28th March 2024, ahead of the first ever Tokyo E-Prix, Nissan announced its long term commitment to Formula E, becoming the first manufacturer to sign up for the GEN4 era, which runs until 2030, reinforcing its pledge to its Ambition 2030 electrification targets.
Season 11 (2024/25) saw Nissan Formula E Team secure the Drivers' World Championship with Oliver Rowland as the Brit took seven podiums, including four victories, and three pole positions, winning the title with two races to go.
For Season 13 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the Nissan Formula E Team drivers are Oliver Rowland and Zane Maloney.
Nissan races in Formula E to bring the excitement and fun of zero-emission electric vehicles to a global audience. As part of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations and the life cycle of its products by 2050, Nissan intends to electrify every all-new vehicle offering by the early 2030s in key markets. The Japanese automaker aims to bring its expertise in transferring knowledge and technology between the racetrack and road for better electric vehicles for customers.
More information
Global.NissanNews.com/FormulaEPressKit
About Formula E
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship became the first global sport to be certified with a net zero carbon footprint from inception back in 2020, having invested in certified climate-protecting projects in all race markets to offset emissions from every season of electric racing.
All cars in the championship are powered by electricity, with the series acting as a competitive platform to test and develop the latest in electric technology.
The World's greatest manufacturers race against each other on street circuits and Formula E promotes the adoption of sustainable mobility in city centers in a bid to combat air pollution and lessen the effects of climate change.
Contact
Maria De Juana
Head of Communications, Formula E, Nissan Motor Co.
Phone: +33-6 17 36 37 61
mdejuana@nissan-europe.com
