Zane Maloney: The Boy from Barbados on the brink of Formula 1
- Damian Hall
- Jul 16, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 21, 2024
16th July 2024
Young talent carrying the hopes of a small island and the pride of an entire region
The world of motorsport has long been dominated by drivers from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. But now, a new star from an unexpected corner of the globe is looking to bring more heat to Formula 1, writes Damian Hall.
Sauber Academy driver Zane Maloney, the first Barbadian ever to compete in Formula 2, is not just racing for personal glory, but carrying the hopes and dreams of a small nation.
Driving for Rodin Motorsport, the 21-year-old’s journey is a testament to determination, bravery, and the relentless pursuit of passion.
Sport has always played a major role in Maloney’s life. Though he was “good” in school, he knew in the end, it “was all sports for me”.
“I love UFC. I don’t know how good I am as a fighter, I’ve never really tested that. I don’t really want to test my chin,” he told The Voice. “I used to play cricket and football all the time at St.
Michael’s [Secondary School] in Barbados.
“I was the captain in football and vice captain in cricket. Anything to do with sports I feel I have a good feeling with it. If I wasn’t racing I would probably be doing UFC, I wouldn’t live as long, but I would probably have a good time.”
He does, however, seem to have longevity where motorsports is concerned though. The F2 Championship is a fiercely competitive arena and the final step before entering Formula 1. The cars in this series do not benefit from the advanced performance or handling technologies of F1 machines, unlike F1, the teams are given identical cars. This means the drivers’ talents shine through even more.
Maloney’s talent shines brightly in this arena. He has been battle-tested and proven worthy, racing his way through the ranks, earning the 2019 British F4
Championship as a rookie and finishing runner-up in the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Championship, missing out by the narrowest of margins.
Now competing in F2 for his second season with Rodin Motorsport as a Sauber Academy driver, he has the added responsibility of being a reserve driver for Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber. The Barbadian kicked off the season in impressive form, claiming two wins in Sakhir.
In a sport where national representation is often limited to industry giants, his presence on the F2 grid is ground-breaking. Every time Maloney takes to the track, he creates history.
Talking about the support he receives back home, he jokes that the time difference (Barbados is currently five hours behind the UK) can prove tricky for fellow Barbadians to watch him in action in real time.
“Unfortunately they have to wake up at 3 am each time, so maybe I’ll try to change the time difference for y’all,” he laughs.
On a serious note, he says, the support from his place of birth has been most welcome:.
“Of course the hope is to have a Formula One driver from Barbados. I’ll always represent the Barbados flag as I should and I’ll be pushing to get to that dream, so thanks for the support.”
Competing is an achievement in itself, but Maloney consistently stands out, fighting at the top of the field for the championship. This success is the result of intense focus and training, something he takes very seriously.
“I have always gone with the mindset that I need to be fit enough for the next level, so when I was doing Formula 4, I was physically ready for Formula 3, same for F2. I’d like to think that I can jump into a Formula One car and be fine physically,” he adds.
After the recent British Grand Prix, Maloney, affectionately dubbed ‘The Boy from Barbados’, is 3rd in the standings. Given his exceptional performance in F2, where he has already showcased his talent with multiple podium finishes, the transition to F1 seems inevitable. His progression represents more than just a career move; it symbolizes the potential of the Caribbean region to produce world-class talent in diverse fields.
What sets Maloney apart is his mature approach to the sport and his bravery on track, which he has come to be known for. He has earned respect not just from fans but also from his competitors.
The term ‘The Boy from Barbados,’ summarises his identity and journey, making him a standout figure in the racing community. His mature approach to racing, combined with a fearless attitude, makes every race an exciting spectacle no matter where he qualifies.
“To some level you have to understand what your job is, and that’s to try to beat everyone else on the track. We’re all here to win a race,” he says.
Maloney’s story is more than just a sports narrative; it’s an inspiring tale of pursuing dreams against all odds. For many in the Caribbean and beyond, he embodies the idea with passion and determination, even the loftiest goals are attainable. His success sends a powerful message to young aspiring athletes and professionals: no matter where you come from, greatness is within reach.
His achievements extend beyond the racetrack. As the first Barbadian and one of the few Caribbean drivers to compete at such a high level, he is putting the region on the motorsport map. This visibility is invaluable for the Caribbean, attracting attention and investment that could help nurture future talent in various sports and industries.
Looking at the humble driver during press conferences, which he often attends as a front-runner, you can see, in comparison to some others on the grid, how much more branding appears on their sleeves. This further proves the feat it is for this youngster from Barbados to be there.
Maloney is currently sponsored by Bushy Park Barbados, Rock Hard Cement, MJet FBO, and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), which designed his helmet.
“[Both] Rock Hard Cement and Bushy Park Barbados have been with me throughout my whole career,” he says. “They’ve always supported me and they’re the reason why I’m here.”
He adds that more recently the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc [BTMI] has been onboarded, and as well as designing his helmet, have also created a billboard adorned with his face, which is currently situated at the island’s only airport and on the highway too.
“That is pretty cool,” Maloney says. “I’ve had lots of support from Barbados.”
As the Formula 1 circus moves to new venues, all eyes will be on Maloney to see how his career progresses. Each race brings him one step closer to the ultimate dream of competing in F1. With his talent, determination, and the support of fans from Barbados and around the world, Zane Maloney is poised to become a global ambassador for the region – and he’s ready to do just that.
He notes that although training is difficult for some, his love of the gym means it has never been “a difficult part in my career”.
“I’ve never come out of a race really finished. Of course, with Formula One, the [G-Force on the] neck is harder, so you need a bit more neck training, but in terms of shoulders and legs it’s almost easier than Formula 2. It’s a bit different training, but I’ve always been ready,” he asserts.
Maloney’s journey from the beaches of Barbados to the high-speed circuits of F1 is nothing short of inspirational. His story is a powerful reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a bit of bravery, anything is possible.
As he continues to race towards his dreams, Maloney carries with him the hopes of a small island and the pride of an entire region.
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