Lola Yamaha ABT has confirmed its driver line-up will remain unchanged for the upcoming Season 12 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The team, which debuted last season, will continue with the experienced Lucas di Grassi and rising talent Zane Maloney at the wheel.
Following a promising first campaign, the team now looks to build on a foundation that delivered four point-scoring finishes, including an impressive podium result in only their fifth race. With the benefit of an established pairing, the team is aiming to push further up the grid in the 2025/26 season.
Momentum from Season 11 sparks confidence
In their debut season, Lola Yamaha ABT surprised many with its rapid progress and competitive spirit. While challenges were expected, the team remained focused on long-term development, supported by strong performances from both drivers. Notably, di Grassi’s second-place finish at the Miami E-Prix was a standout moment, showcasing both his experience and the team’s potential.
Reflecting on the season and looking ahead, Lucas di Grassi shared his enthusiasm for staying with the team and outlined the ambitious goals for the future.
“I’m pleased to confirm a second season with Lola Yamaha ABT in Formula E. Our first season was very positive, with a podium in Miami and 32 points scored. We’ve worked extremely hard this summer and added reinforcements to the team to ensure our second season is even better. The long-term view and dedication of people from Lola, Yamaha and ABT to put this team where it deserves to be, winning races and fighting for championships, gives me so much motivation. I really enjoy working with the team and truly appreciate all the effort they’ve put in, which will hopefully result in many more successes in the future together.”
Young talent shows promise
Equally important to the team’s progress has been the performance of rookie driver Zane Maloney. Throughout his first Formula E season, Maloney demonstrated impressive adaptability and composure, steadily contributing to the team’s growth. Despite being new to the series, he consistently absorbed feedback and improved race by race, making a strong case for his retention.
Looking ahead to a second season, Maloney expressed his determination to keep learning and pushing both himself and the team forward.
“I’m very excited to be continuing with Lola Yamaha ABT for Season 12. Last year was mine and the team’s rookie season and I think we developed very well. I’m looking forward to working with Lucas and the entire team to continue that development into next season. Of course, it’s going to be a tough year, but the more that we can carry on working hard and making progress with the car, while I continue to improve as a driver, the better we can do. Thank you to the fans for all the support, and we look forward to seeing you all next season.”
Team management praises driver continuity
The decision to retain both drivers was not taken lightly. According to the team’s leadership, maintaining continuity offers a significant advantage as the team seeks to turn last season’s learnings into competitive results. The synergy between Maloney’s fresh perspective and di Grassi’s vast Formula E experience has proven valuable during development and race weekends alike.
Mark Preston, Motorsport Director of Lola Cars, explained why the team believes this driver pairing is the right formula moving forward.
“Lola, Yamaha and ABT have all been working extremely hard to apply the learnings from our first season to put ourselves in the best possible position for Season 12, and we are thrilled that Zane and Lucas will be continuing to drive this progress forwards. The benefit of having a new driver in the series, along with one of the most experienced, has been clear from day one, and their feedback and dedication is invaluable to the team.”
Building towards a competitive future
As the team gears up for its second year in Formula E, the aim is not just to participate—but to compete more consistently for top positions. According to Team Director Frederic Espinos, the goal is to build on the solid foundation laid during Season 11 and make a strong start when the team returns to the track in pre-season testing.
With both drivers locked in, Espinos believes the team now has the right tools to accelerate its development and deliver better results.
“We are pleased to be continuing with Zane and Lucas as we look to build on all the hard work we put in throughout Season 11 and the summer break to ensure we can be more competitive from when we take to the track in Valencia. The driver pairing brings a combination of youth and experience which really complement each other and will enable us to continue developing throughout our second season.”
Valencia Testing to kick off season preparation
All eyes now turn to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, where official pre-season testing will take place from 27th to 31st October. For Lola Yamaha ABT, this test marks the beginning of a new chapter—one where the team aims not only to improve but also to challenge the established frontrunners.
