WILDBACHSTRASSE, Switzerland – Emerging Barbadian race car driver Zane Maloney has found a new home in the Formula 1 paddock for the coming season.
The 20-year-old will become a reserve driver for the Sauber F1 team, rebranded Stake F1 Team Kick, ahead of the new season after joining the Sauber Academy driver development programme for the upcoming season.
Maloney will remain in Formula 2 – the second tier to F1 racing organised by the FIA, motor sport’s world governing body, and held on select circuits on the F1 schedule – and will share reserve driving duties with 2023 F2 champion, Théo Pourchaire of France.
“I am honoured to join the Sauber Academy and to take on the role of one of Stake F1 team’s reserve drivers,” Maloney said in a news release.
“The Sauber name resonates with F1, as it has been part of the sport for over 30 years, paving the way for so many drivers who went on to achieve great success.
“I am pleased to become part of this family, and I am looking forward to working together this season, as I move closer to my goal of becoming a F1 driver.”
Maloney was one of the reserve drivers for F1 world champions, Red Bull Racing last year, and he is currently preparing for his second F2 campaign with Rodin Motorsport after finishing his rookie season 10th in the drivers’ championship after taking four podium finishes during the season.
Maloney starred in FIA Formula 3 before entering the F2 championship, challenging for the 2022 title, and took three feature race victories in his one and only season in the championship, ultimately ending in the runner-up position by five points in the standings.
“We are delighted to welcome Zane as the latest addition to the Sauber Academy,” Academy director Beat Zehnder. “His path through the junior series has been remarkable so far and, with his speed and potential, he surely makes a great addition to our talented roster.”
Alongside his F2 driving, Maloney will be Stake F1’s official reserve at selected rounds of the season, and he will race with Sauber Academy colors as part of the season ahead.
