With GEN4 set to make its debut in the 2026/27 season, Zane Maloney believes adaptability and a strong start will be crucial as he prepares for his first campaign with Nissan Formula E Team.
The Barbadian driver made his full-time Formula E debut in Season 11, driving for Lola Yamaha ABT. While his first two seasons proved challenging, he showed promise by securing top-ten finishes in São Paulo, Monaco, and Tokyo during the 2025/26 season. Now, Maloney will partner 2024/25 Drivers’ World Champion Oliver Rowland as Nissan prepares to tackle a new generation of machinery and a record 21-race calendar.
Maloney on how the GEN4 is “a big step up”
The introduction of the GEN4 marks a significant change for Formula E, with features such as increased power and a permanent all-wheel drive altering how teams approach the new season. Ahead of the opening round in Jeddah, Nissan is undertaking an extensive testing programme to understand the car’s capabilities, with pre-season testing also scheduled for November 16-20 in Spain.
Reflecting on the new, advanced machinery, Maloney shared:
“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. 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 new challenges
Alongside the car changes, Formula E will also welcome three new venues. Of the 21 rounds, Austin’s Circuit of The Americas (COTA), Brands Hatch in England, and Zandvoort in the Netherlands will host the all-electric championship for the first time.
With a new car, a new team, and a more demanding calendar, the 23-year-old believes flexibility will be key to making a strong start to the season.
“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.”
Maloney also holds a notable advantage over his rivals, having previously enjoyed success at Brands Hatch and Zandvoort during his junior career.
With that in mind, he continued: “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.”
Maloney to prioritize process over results
Asked about his goals for the 2026/27 Formula E season, Maloney said:
“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. 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.”
Maloney will also have the opportunity to learn from Season 11 champion and teammate Rowland as he settles into the Nissan Formula E Team. Meanwhile, Rowland will enter on his fourth consecutive season with the Japanese manufacturer, bringing valuable knowledge to the car’s development.
“Having Oli as my teammate is a big opportunity,” said Maloney. “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.”
