Maloney: Prioritised ‘feeling over thinking’ to regain F3-style Qualifying performances

24 November 2023

Zane Maloney started as he meant to go on in Yas Marina, going from second in Free Practice to matching his best Formula 2 Qualifying result in fourth. Narrowly missing out on third by 0.089s, the result is the Rodin Carlin driver’s fifth top five Friday performance of the year.

This marks a stark contrast to his one-lap pace in Formula 3 where he earned two pole positions, a further four top threes and only qualified outside the top 10 at the opening round in Sakhir.

Rediscovering the mindset that brought him success last year, Maloney explained rather than getting in his head too much, he’s returned to relying on his driver instincts, which paid off in Qualifying.

“It was a really good day, P2 in Practice and P4 in Quali with a lot more potential as well. Usually this year, we’ve been saying we have a lot more potential but we’re in P15 in Quali, so to be P4 and still have that much potential was really good.

“I just did a bit less thinking to be honest this weekend so far. I’m a type of driver that is based mainly on feel and I’ve gone away from that a little bit this year thinking a bit too much with this F2 car. So, I came into this weekend with that mindset that just if I have a small lock-up, don’t bring the braking back and commit to it again, and it works for me.”

He added: “I think that’s what was so good in F3, which I’ve gone away from a bit this year and gave me a lot of confidence today going back to it to really be on the pace. So, I’m looking forward to the races.”

Coming full circle from his own F2 debut with Trident this time last year, Maloney imparted some words of wisdom to Franco Colapinto, who’s taking on his first weekend with MP Motorsport. Reflecting on the journey he’s had, the Bajan driver’s only regret is not having found his uptake in form earlier but he intends to make it count at the season finale.

“I can’t even remember last year, so much has happened! It’s great to be up there now. Obviously, I spoke to Franco after Practice and when you first get into the F2 car, it’s very different to the F3 car. It’s almost impossible, I mean it’s possible but it’s really difficult to be on it straight away. Almost everything is different, so last year was a learning curve.

“I’ve learnt quite a massive amount this year and now I’m doing a lot better job, especially this weekend so far. It’s great to see how far I’ve come, but I just need to be on it each weekend. It’s a shame, obviously, that I’ve now started to get on it. I wish I was on it a bit earlier this year, so the focus is on getting two good races.”

After overcoming the biggest hurdle that has held him back during his rookie season, Maloney is optimistic about his chances of converting it into a podium, with only his Bahrain Feature Race podium having been achieved from outside the top five.

“When I say I overthink, I mean getting that one Quali lap has been the struggle this year from my side, so the races have always been good. Almost every time I’ve qualified in the top 10, I’ve been on the podium in the Feature Race. I think the approach for the races is all the same, that’s usually my strength - the racing side of things and saving the tyres like we saw in Bahrain.

“I just need to do what I normally do and get on it, but there’s nothing given in F2, so you really need to stay focused and just do the job as the team would say.”

Starting from P7 in the Sprint and P4 in the Feature Race, Maloney is looking to avoid the drama he’s previously benefitted from, with a top eight finish in the Championship still within reach. However, the absence of a maiden win has remained a thorn in his side and one that he’s prepared to leave nothing on the table to address.

He concluded “I think anything’s possible. We have a quick car, I’m on it this weekend and hopefully, there's not much chaos. Usually after Quali, I’m hoping for chaos, but I’m hoping for a bit less this weekend. The pace is good, so the plan is to just have two clean races, nothing to lose Championship-wise and points-wise, so I’ll be going for it and I know that everyone will be going for it as well.

“It’s going to be a tough, but hopefully good two races. The goal is to just finish off this season and get my first win because not having a win this season is really eating me alive.”