P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Two drivers have made the move from Formula 2 to Formula E for the all-electric championship’s eleventh campaign.
Yes, Formula E is experiencing a surge in young driver participation with McLaren promoting Taylor Barnard and ABT Lola signing Zane Maloney. Both drivers are 20 years old, marking a noticeable decrease in the average age of FE competitors. As the tenth campaign revealed, the typical full-time FE field had an average age of 30.8 years, with the youngest being 25-year-old Sacha Fenestraz.
When the season kicks off in São Paulo on December 7, Barnard will still be 20, while Maloney will have just turned 21 in October. This shift also hints at a changing of the guard in FE, as older drivers may seek new challenges. The championship’s growing appeal to young drivers, such as Frederik Vesti and Paul Aron, showcases FE as a viable career path, not just a backup to Formula 1.
Noteworthy is that FE offers drivers a salary, a rare feature among FIA-governed single-seater series besides F1. This opportunity for young F2 talents to collaborate with manufacturers, exemplified by Maloney joining ABT Lola, further contributes to FE’s allure. As the series becomes increasingly competitive and popular, the influx of young talents through Formula 3 and F2 is a testament to FE’s bright future and the potential upcoming young driver boom.
