There is a new competitor on the Formula E (FE) grid for the 2025/26 season and they are no stranger to motorsport, but rather to electric motorsport.
Lola Cars announced its involvement in the all-electric ABB FIA Formula E World Championship from season 11 (2024/25), and its commitment from the GEN3 Evo era to the GEN4 era.
FE announced Lola’s entry midway through the tenth season (2023/24) as another manufacturer competing for the coveted FE World Championship drivers’ and manufacturer teams’ trophies. This commitment ensures the British car group’s participation in the championship for at least six seasons.
“We are excited to be confirming our commitment to GEN4. Formula E is an ideal platform for powertrain and software development that we can use for broader motorsport and automotive applications,” said Mark Preston, Lola Cars Motorsport Director.
“We feel the opportunity for innovation in this series will only increase as the performance of the cars and technology develops, giving greater scope to develop innovative technologies across global motorsport and in the broader zero emissions transportation space.”
Lola will be working with Yamaha to develop and supply a powertrain to compete in the world’s first all-electric, single seater race series. With a shared passion for track racing, both companies are poised to make a significant impact in the evolving landscape of electric vehicle technology.
Lola Cars Chairman Till Bechtolsheimer expressed his thrill for the company to partner with Yamaha for FE. He viewed it as both a validation of Lola’s team and a chance to develop future racing technology alongside a leader in innovation.
The partnership not only enables them to participate in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship on the GEN3 Evo platform in 2024/25 but also opens doors for future endeavours in global motorsport and zero-emission transportation.
“Yamaha Motor Company is accelerating the research and development of various technologies that contribute to sustainability,” said Heiji Maruyama, Managing Executive Officer and Director, Yamaha Motor co., ltd.
“As the technical partner, we hope to acquire more advanced energy management technologies through the highest level of electric racing in Formula E. We also share Lola’s new philosophy of sustainable motorsport and we are very pleased and honoured to form this partnership with them.”
The announcement marks Lola’s return to racing after a decade away from racing circuits and Yamaha’s return to four-wheel racing since 1997.
With 500 championships to its name, Lola has a steeped and successful history in the British motorsport scene, which includes Formula One.
Lola Cars dominated motorsports from the 1950s, producing nearly 5000 racing cars spanning 400 different models, with wins in Le Mans, Formula One, IndyCar, Formula 3000, Formula 5000, and Touring Cars. Their venture into Formula E marks their official return from a motorsport hiatus.
“With their historic return to top-tier motorsport for Season 11 next year, we’re delighted that Lola Cars will also be committing to the GEN4 era – promising their presence will be on the Formula E grid until at least 2030,” said Jeff Dodds, CEO of FE.
“Their trust in our series for their latest venture into electrification and innovation is testament to our ability to attract the biggest names in motorsport, as well as our joint ambition to continue to grow this championship.
“It’s a huge privilege for us, and we can’t wait to see what they can do next year when the famous Lola marque hits the Formula E track for the first time.”
