Lola to End ABT Partnership Ahead of Formula E Gen4 Era

Formula E, Sportrik Media - Lola Cars has confirmed it will part ways with technical partner ABT at the conclusion of the current Formula E season, with the British manufacturer opting to bring its programme fully in-house from the start of the Gen4 era next season.

The partnership between Lola and the German motorsport organisation only began in late 2024, coinciding with Lola’s entry into the Formula E championship. Despite the relatively short duration of the collaboration, both parties have agreed that a structural shift is required as Lola prepares for the next phase of its long-term project in the all-electric series.

Lola’s first 18 months in Formula E have proved challenging from a competitive perspective. With drivers Lucas di Grassi and Zane Maloney, the team has frequently found itself outside the points, underlining the difficulty faced by new entrants competing against rivals with extensive experience of the Gen3 regulations.

To date, Lola’s standout result remains a surprise podium finish achieved by di Grassi in Miami last season. Formula E returns to Miami this weekend, although the event will now be held at the Miami International Autodrome rather than the Homestead-Miami Speedway, where that result was secured.

From the outset, Lola acknowledged that its initial two seasons in the championship would be a steep learning curve, given the maturity of the Gen3 package and the depth of knowledge held by established teams. As a result, the early phase of the programme has been viewed internally as a foundation-building exercise rather than an immediate performance benchmark.

The strategic emphasis for Lola has increasingly shifted towards the upcoming Gen4 regulations, which are set to be introduced next season. The manufacturer has already been involved in private manufacturers’ tests with its Gen4 car, signalling that the future competitiveness of the project is expected to be defined in the next regulatory cycle rather than the closing stages of Gen3.

In a statement issued by the team, principal Mark Preston explained that the decision to end the partnership with ABT is driven by organisational growth and long-term planning.

“With the continued growth of the organisation, long-term commitment to Formula E and additional projects in the pipeline, Lola Cars has made the decision to consolidate its Formula E operations in-house at our Silverstone HQ,” Preston said.

He added that centralising operations is intended to improve efficiency and strengthen technical capability across future programmes.

“This will enable us to streamline activities, increase expertise for upcoming projects and better drive innovation through motorsport.”

Despite the split, Preston paid tribute to ABT’s contribution during Lola’s formative period in the championship, highlighting the value of the German team’s experience in Formula E.

“ABT were our partner of choice to operate the team as we entered the all-electric racing series, with vast experience and technical expertise within Formula E.”

“We’d like to thank them for all of their hard work and dedication during our first two seasons in the sport and look forward to continuing to collaborate with them for the remainder of Season 12.”

Lola’s decision to take full operational control of its Formula E programme reflects a broader industry trend as manufacturers prepare for the increased technical demands of the Gen4 era. With higher performance targets and more complex systems expected, the ability to integrate design, development and race operations under a single structure is viewed as a potential competitive advantage.

As Formula E approaches a new chapter, Lola’s move signals a clear intent to reposition itself ahead of Gen4. While short-term results have been limited, the shift to an in-house operation suggests a renewed focus on long-term competitiveness as the championship enters its next technical cycle.