P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu have a new back-up driver, who is set to share the role with Formula 2 champion Theo Pourchaire.
Zane Maloney, a Barbadian driver, is set to join the Sauber Academy and become the reserve driver for the Stake Formula 1 team. Previously a part of the Red Bull junior programme, Maloney had a 10th-place finish in the 2023 Formula 2 season with Rodin Carlin. However, he did achieve a podium on his feature race debut in Bahrain. The 19-year-old will continue with Rodin Carlin in the upcoming F2 season and share reserve driver duties with Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, and reigning Formula 2 champion Theo Pourchaire. Maloney’s goal is to become a Formula 1 driver, and he is honored to join the Sauber Academy and work towards that dream. Sauber Academy Director, Beat Zehnder, praised Maloney’s impressive rise through the junior ranks and expressed excitement for his potential and contributions to the team.
