Lirim Zendeli

Zendeli began his motorsport career in karting in 2010. In his home country, he finished third in the KF3 class of the ADAC Kart Masters in 2013 and won the KFJ class of the series in 2014.{{Cite web|title=ADAC Kart Masters – KF3 2013 standings|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/adac-kart-masters---kf3/2013/|access-date=1 February 2023|website=DriverDB|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=ADAC Kart Masters – KFJ 2014 standings|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/adac-kart-masters-kfj/2014/|access-date=1 February 2023|website=DriverDB|language=en}} That year he also made the switch to European championships and competed in the CIK-FIA World Championship in the KF Junior class, among other categories. In 2015, he concluded his karting career in the KF class of the South Garda Winter Cup, where he finished 11th.{{Cite web|title=South Garda Winter Cup – KF 2015 standings|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/south-garda-winter-cup-kf/2015/|access-date=1 February 2023|website=DriverDB|language=en}}

2016 was Zendeli's first season in single-seaters, racing in ADAC Formula 4 with ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg.{{Cite web|last=Gruz|first=David|date=29 February 2016|title=Mucke adds Ortmann, Zendeli and Soderstrom to its ADAC F4 lineup|url=https://formulascout.com/mucke-adds-ortmann-zendeli-and-soderstrom-to-its-adac-f4-lineup/33632|access-date=1 February 2023|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}} He failed to score points in the opening two rounds, but after that, regularly finished in the top 10. He even achieved a podium finish with a second position in the penultimate race weekend at Zandvoort.{{Cite web|last=Allen|first=Peter|date=20 August 2016|title=Ortmann holds off Zendeli in Mucke 1-2 in ADAC F4 Zandvoort race two|url=https://formulascout.com/ortmann-holds-off-zendeli-in-mucke-1-2-in-adac-f4-zandvoort-race-two/35286|access-date=1 February 2023|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}} With 74 points he finished in 13th place in the championship, whilst he ended up fifth in the rookie class.

The following year Zendeli contested a double programme in both the ADAC and Italian Formula 4 championships, again with ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg.{{Cite web|last=Allen|first=Peter|date=28 April 2017|title=ADAC F4 2017 season preview: Another competitive year in store|url=https://formulascout.com/adac-f4-2017-season-preview/37093|access-date=1 February 2023|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}} In the German series, Zendeli took his maiden single-seater win at Oschersleben.{{Cite web|last=Allen|first=Peter|date=30 April 2017|title=Zendeli wins Oschersleben ADAC F4 race three after front-row starters get beached|url=https://formulascout.com/zendeli-wins-oschersleben-adac-f4-race-three-after-front-row-starters-get-beached/37128|access-date=2 February 2023|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}} However, his title challenge was derailed when he suffered two retirements and two non-scoring finishes in the next three rounds. Despite this, he would win again in the Nürburgring and during the penultimate race at the Hockenheimring.{{Cite web|last=Waring|first=Bethonie|date=5 August 2017|title=Zendeli triumphs in ADAC F4 Nurburgring race one as Nielsen rolls|url=https://formulascout.com/zendeli-triumphs-in-adac-f4-nurburgring-race-one-as-nielsen-rolls/37892|access-date=2 February 2023|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}}{{Cite web|last=Wood|first=Ida|date=23 September 2017|title=Drugovich drama hands ADAC F4 lead to Vips as Zendeli wins race two|url=https://formulascout.com/drugovich-drama-hands-adac-f4-lead-to-vips-as-zendeli-wins-race-two/38254|access-date=2 February 2023|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}} The German classified fourth in the standings with 164 points, he also had a further two podiums.{{Cite web|title=Formula 4 ADAC 2017 standings|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/adac-formula-4/2017/|access-date=2 February 2023|website=DriverDB|language=en}} In the Italian championship, the German scored two podium finishes, but was not included in the final standings as he did not take part in the final race weekend at Monza.

File:Lirim Zendeli, ADAC Formel 4, Nürburgring 2018.jpg]]

For 2018, Zendeli moved to the US Racing-CHRS team, partnering David Schumacher, Mick Wishofer and Tom Beckhäuser, for a year that would prove to be his breakout.{{Cite web|last=Allen|first=Peter|date=26 March 2018|title=Zendeli and Wishofer join Schumacher at US Racing for ADAC F4|url=https://formulascout.com/zendeli-and-wishofer-join-schumacher-at-us-racing-for-adac-f4/41631|access-date=2 February 2023|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}} Zendeli dominated throughout the campaign, winning four of the first six races.{{Cite web|last=Lumb|first=Tim|date=14 April 2018|title=Lirim Zendeli takes second win of ADAC F4 weekend at Oschersleben|url=https://formulascout.com/lirim-zendeli-takes-second-win-of-adac-f4-weekend-at-oschersleben/42174|access-date=2 February 2023|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}}{{Cite web|last=Waring|first=Bethonie|date=5 May 2018|title=Lirim Zendeli on top again in ADAC F4 Hockenheim race two|url=https://formulascout.com/lirim-zendeli-on-top-again-in-hockenheim-race-two/42580|access-date=2 February 2023|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}} Amazingly, Zendeli won at every round, and this allowed him to claim the title during the penultimate round at the Nürburgring.{{Cite web|last=Waring|first=Bethonie|date=5 August 2018|title=Zendeli secures ADAC Formula 4 title at the Nurburgring, Krutten wins race three|url=https://formulascout.com/zendeli-secures-adac-formula-4-title-at-the-nurburgring-krutten-wins-race-three/44263|access-date=4 August 2021|website=Formula Scout|language=en-US}} Zendeli rounded the season with two wins.{{Cite web|last=Waring|first=Bethonie|date=22 September 2018|title=Lirim Zendeli takes ninth ADAC F4 win at Hockenheim, David Schumacher wins rookie title|url=https://formulascout.com/lirim-zendeli-takes-ninth-adac-f4-win-at-hockenheim-david-schumacher-wins-rookie-title/45328|access-date=2 February 2023|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}}{{Cite web|last=Waring|first=Bethonie|date=23 September 2018|title=Lirim Zendeli ends ADAC F4 season with 10th win at Hockenheim|url=https://formulascout.com/lirim-zendeli-ends-adac-f4-season-with-10th-win-at-hockenheim/45375|access-date=4 August 2021|website=Formula Scout|language=en-US}} He dominated the season by taking eight pole positions of a possible 14, winning 10 races out of 21 and finishing over 100 points ahead of nearest rival Liam Lawson.{{Cite web|date=29 December 2018|title=Formula Scout Top 50 Drivers of 2018: 30-21|url=https://formulascout.com/formula-scout-top-50-drivers-of-2018-30-21/47477|access-date=2 February 2023|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}}{{Cite web|date=3 January 2019|title=2018 International F4 season review|url=https://formulascout.com/2018-international-f4-season-review/46428|access-date=2 February 2023|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}}

Zendeli progressed to Formula 3 in 2019, continuing with Charouz and alongside Fabio Scherer and Raoul Hyman.{{Cite web|title=Sauber Junior Team by Charouz reveal 2019 line-up|date=19 February 2019|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Latest/6KWhr2wwtJxfYLUhjvbKlC/sauber-junior-team-by-charouz-reveal-2019-line-up|access-date=2 February 2023|website=FIA_Formula 3® - The Official F3® Website|language=en}} Zendeli's only points came at the Red Bull Ring, finishing eighth and seventh place. In the latter result, Zendeli had started on reverse pole but lost out to the faster cars.{{Cite web|title=Hughes propelled to first F3 win following late PREMA collision|date=30 June 2019|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Latest/4NFcuyXt9IQ7Ruu77nqpLl/hughes-propelled-to-first-f3-win-following-late-prema-collision|access-date=6 February 2023|website=FIA_Formula 3® - The Official F3® Website|language=en}} He was set for another strong result in Monza, but suffered a puncture while battling for the lead.{{Cite web|title=Shwartzman back to his scintillating best in Race 1|date=7 September 2019|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Latest/7l4jFdWdedjUkXEQggcHmK/shwartzman-back-to-his-scintillating-best-in-race-1|access-date=6 February 2023|website=FIA_Formula 3® - The Official F3® Website|language=en}} He missed the final round,{{Cite web|last=Wood|first=Ida|date=9 December 2019|title=Five thoughts from the inaugural FIA F3 Championship season|url=https://formulascout.com/five-thoughts-from-the-inaugural-fia-f3-championship-season/55249|access-date=|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}} and ended 18th in the championship with six points.{{Cite web|title=Driver Standings for the FIA Formula 3 2019 Championship|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Standings/Driver?seasonId=176|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_Formula 3® - The Official F3® Website|language=en}}

Following the season, Zendeli made a one-off appearance in the 2019 Formula Regional European Championship.{{Cite web|last=Waring|first=Bethonie|date=6 October 2019|title=Frederik Vesti crowned inaugural Formula Regional European champion at Mugello|url=https://formulascout.com/frederik-vesti-crowned-inaugural-formula-regional-european-champion-at-mugello/55192|access-date=7 February 2023|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}} He claimed two second places and ended 14th in the standings.{{Cite web|title=Formula Regional European Championship Certified by FIA 2019 standings|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/formula-regional-european-championship/2019/|access-date=7 February 2023|website=DriverDB|language=en}}

During 2020 pre-season, he competed in the Toyota Racing Series with Giles Motorsport.{{Cite web|last=Allen|first=Peter|date=13 December 2019|title=Lirim Zendeli to compete in Toyota Racing Series with Giles Motorsport|url=https://formulascout.com/lirim-zendeli-to-compete-in-toyota-racing-series-with-giles-motorsport/57548|access-date=7 February 2023|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}} Zendeli took four podiums but no wins, and managed to end up eighth in the standings.{{Cite web|title=Castrol Toyota Racing Series 2020 standings|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/toyota-racing-series-new-zealand/2020/|access-date=7 February 2023|website=DriverDB|language=en}}

In Formula 3, Zendeli signed for Trident Racing to partner David Beckmann and Olli Caldwell in the 2020 season.{{Cite web|last=Benyon|first=Jack|url=https://www.motorsport.com/fia-f3/news/zendeli-trident-2020-first-signing/4665245/?filters%5Bdriver%5D%5B0%5D%5Btitle%5D=Lirim+Zendeli&filters%5Bdriver%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D=314965|date=20 January 2020|title=Trident names first F3 signing for 2020|access-date=7 February 2023|website=Motorsport.com}} Zendeli managed to qualify second in his first race at the Red Bull Ring,{{Cite web|title=2020 Round 1 post-Qualifying press conference|date=3 July 2020|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Latest/3tgITLErcR2zAiXGm2Y30i/2020-round-1-post-qualifying-press-conference|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_Formula 3® - The Official F3® Website|language=en}} but dropped to fifth at the flag despite momentarily being in the lead, and followed it up with fifth in Race 2.{{Cite web|title=Piastri leads PREMA one-two in Spielberg Race 1, ahead of Sargeant and Peroni|date=4 July 2020|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Latest/5NohN9GaxZIloSllCe7LRV/piastri-leads-prema-one-two-in-spielberg-race-1-ahead-of-sargeant-and-peroni|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_Formula 3® - The Official F3® Website|language=en}} He scored his first Formula 3 podium finish at the rain-shortened first race of the second Red Bull Ring round. The German made a brilliant start from sixth, soaring to second on the first lap and nearly snatching the lead from the Frederik Vesti. He remained in the position until the conclusion of the race.{{Cite web|title=2020 Round 2 post-Race 1 press conference|date=11 July 2020|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Latest/2aPawqFB1QPjlqXmgM8Ulm/2020-round-2-post-race-1-press-conference|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_Formula 3® - The Official F3® Website|language=en}} The next two rounds went poorly for Zendeli, starting at the Hungaroring where he suffered collision damage in Race 1 and had to retire, with 16th place in the following race. In Silverstone, he had no pace and did not score. During the second Silverstone round in Race 2, Zendeli lined up on reverse pole and led for most of the race. On the final lap, he battled with Bent Viscaal and the Dutchman won out, and eventually Zendeli crossed the finish line second, only 0.189 seconds behind Viscaal.{{cite web|url=https://formulascout.com/viscaal-beats-zendeli-in-thrilling-silverstone-fia-f3-finish/66042|title=Viscaal beats Zendeli in thrilling Silverstone FIA F3 finish|website=formulascout.com|first=Bethonie|last=Waring|date=9 August 2020|accessdate=16 December 2020}}{{Cite web|title=2020 Round 5 Race 2 quotes|date=9 August 2020|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Latest/3iZj2M3NVA8eo9Pz96yeCy/2020-round-5-race-2-quotes|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_Formula 3® - The Official F3® Website|language=en}}

After a scoreless weekend in Barcelona, Zendeli took his first Formula 3 pole position at Spa-Francorchamps.{{Cite web|title=Zendeli scores maiden F3 pole, ahead of Pourchaire in rain-hit Spa Qualifying|date=28 August 2020|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Latest/1y7zj7kFJmY5A1xGnTfRj0/zendeli-scores-maiden-f3-pole-ahead-of-pourchaire-in-rain-hit-spa-qualifying|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_Formula 3® - The Official F3® Website|language=en}} He led every lap to take his first victory by four seconds.{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f3/news/151743/zendeli-takes-first-f3-win-sargeant-loses-points-lead|title=Spa-Francorchamps F3: Zendeli takes maiden win as Sargeant loses points lead|website=autosport.com|first=Josh|last=Suttill|date=29 August 2020|accessdate=16 December 2020}} He ended Race 2 in eighth place. In Monza, Zendeli qualified second but was given a ten-place grid penalty for dangerous offences.{{Cite web|title=2020 Round 8 post-Qualifying press conference|date=4 September 2020|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Latest/295QVevVS1QLpNuBkUsgyz/2020-round-8-post-qualifying-press-conference-f3|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_Formula 3® - The Official F3® Website|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Round 8 post-Qualifying penalties|date=4 September 2020|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Latest/571CPXsakLqBkuOV6wZUlx/round-8-post-qualifying-penalties|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_Formula 3® - The Official F3® Website|language=en}} After a quiet Race 1 in eighth, he had a wild Race 2, taking the lead early but made a mistake and fell to seventh. He eventually worked his way to finish in fourth.{{Cite web|title=Hughes clinches victory ahead of Lawson in dramatic Race 2 at Monza|date=6 September 2020|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Latest/6zlNc6tb4YiGVnMSQ57eKY/hughes-clinches-victory-ahead-of-lawson-in-dramatic-race-2-at-monza|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_Formula 3® - The Official F3® Website|language=en}} He took a second pole position at the season finale at Mugello.{{Cite web|last=Suttil|first=Josh|url=https://www.motorsport.com/fia-f3/news/mugello-zendeli-pole-sargeant-piastri/4872515/?filters%5Bdriver%5D%5B0%5D%5Btitle%5D=Lirim+Zendeli&filters%5Bdriver%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D=314965|date=11 September 2020|title=Mugello F3: Zendeli on pole for title decider, Piastri 16th|access-date=7 February 2023|website=Motorsport.com}} He remained in the lead for seven laps and later fought with Jake Hughes but Zendeli would fall to fourth place at the finish.{{Cite web|title=Vesti scores third F3 win, as title fight goes down to the wire|date=12 September 2020|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Latest/2RTda1YGjgJfOcpfoC0L8b/vesti-scores-third-f3-win-as-title-fight-goes-down-to-the-wire|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_Formula 3® - The Official F3® Website|language=en}} Race 2 ended in disappointment as he was eliminated on the opening lap after colliding with Logan Sargeant.{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f3/news/152103/piastri-wins-f3-title-as-lawson-dominates-finale|title=Mugello F3: Piastri wins 2020 title as Lawson dominates season finale|website=autosport.com|first=Josh|last=Suttill|date=13 September 2020|accessdate=16 December 2020}} Zendeli ended the season eighth in the championship with 104 points with one win, two poles and two podiums – behind Beckmann but considerably ahead of Caldwell – and helped his Trident team to achieve second place in the teams' championship.{{Cite web|title=Driver Standings for the FIA Formula 3 2020 Championship|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Standings/Driver?seasonId=177|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_Formula 3® - The Official F3® Website|language=en}}{{Cite web|title="I never doubted my pace" says Zendeli on 2020 improvement|date=26 January 2021|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Latest/5qYBZJqqUKAIRLJ3Fj83B7/i-never-doubted-my-pace-says-zendeli-on-2020-improvement|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_Formula 3® - The Official F3® Website|language=en}}

Zendeli returned to Charouz Racing System for a cameo appearance for the 2022 Barcelona Formula 3 round, taking over David Schumacher's seat.{{Cite web|last=Gascoigne|first=Roger|date=18 May 2022|title=Zendeli replaces Schumacher at Charouz for Barcelona F3 round|url=https://formulascout.com/zendeli-replaces-schumacher-at-charouz-for-barcelona-f3-round/93839|access-date=31 July 2022|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}} Starting 22nd, in both races, Zendeli managed to progress up in both races, taking 20th and 15th in the sprint and feature races respectively.{{Cite web|title=Charouz Racing System out of the points in Round 3 of the 2022 FIA Formula 3 season at Barcelona|date=24 May 2022|url=https://www.charouz-racing.com/charouz-racing-system-out-of-the-points-in-round-3-of-the-2022-fia-formula-3-season-at-barcelona/|access-date=31 July 2022|website=Charouz Racing System}} Zendeli was replaced by Zdeněk Chovanec for the Silverstone onwards.{{Cite web|last=Gascoigne|first=Roger|date=29 June 2022|title=Zdenek Chovanec to return to Charouz and FIA F3 at Silverstone|url=https://formulascout.com/zdenec-chovanec-to-return-to-charouz-and-fia-f3-at-silverstone/95567|access-date=31 July 2022|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}} The German was ranked 31st in the standings.{{Cite web|title=Driver Standings for the FIA Formula 3 2022 Championship|url=https://www.fiaformula3.com/Standings/Driver|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_Formula 3® - The Official F3® Website|language=en}}

In December 2020 it was announced that Zendeli would graduate to the FIA Formula 2 Championship for the {{F2|2021}} season, driving for MP Motorsport alongside Richard Verschoor.{{Cite web|title=MP Motorsport sign F3 race winner Zendeli for 2021|date=16 December 2020|url=https://www.fiaformula2.com/Latest/6rrlZxPJzYrVyjyOO9v2tE/mp-motorsport-sign-f3-race-winner-zendeli-for-2021|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_F2® - The Official F2® Website|language=en}} He scored his first points in his first race at Bahrain, thanks to a fastest lap by finishing ninth. That saw him line up for Sprint Race 2, and he was set for points when Christian Lundgaard made contact with his rear-right tyre, causing the German a puncture and his retirement.{{Cite web|title=SPRINT RACE 2: Piastri pulls off masterclass in Sakhir to take maiden F2 win over Zhou|date=27 March 2021|url=https://www.fiaformula2.com/Latest/NjupuGLC0HWnD3FflpHWl/sprint-race-2-piastri-pulls-off-masterclass-in-sakhir-to-take-maiden-f2-win|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_F2® - The Official F2® Website|language=en}} In Monaco, Zendeli qualified in 17th, and in the second sprint race he would finish in seventh, scoring points due to others' misfortune.{{Cite web|title=SPRINT RACE 2: Lawson recovers from a slow start to earn brilliant wet win in Monte Carlo|date=22 May 2021|url=https://www.fiaformula2.com/Latest/4hvjPMYGEFKdqUuWDHmyVm/sprint-race-2-lawson-recovers-from-a-slow-start-to-win-in-the-wet-at|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_F2® - The Official F2® Website|language=en}} In Baku, Zendeli had another incident in the second sprint but rescued a point with tenth in the feature race.{{Cite web|title=F2 Baku|url=https://www.mpmotorsport.com/f2-baku/|access-date=7 February 2023|website=MP Motorsport|date=7 June 2021 |language=en}} Silverstone would be successful, as he finished close to the points in the first two races, before claiming ninth in the feature race.{{Cite web|title=F2 Silverstone|url=https://www.mpmotorsport.com/f2-silverstone/|access-date=7 February 2023|website=MP Motorsport|date=19 July 2021 |language=en}} In Monza, Zendeli was on for a huge result in sprint race 1, but his race ended in the dying laps due to an engine issue.{{Cite web|title=SPRINT RACE 1: Pourchaire wins for the second time in action-packed Monza opener|date=11 September 2021|url=https://www.fiaformula2.com/Latest/46EwTgZFh2lbqDUuZkIg5v/sprint-race-1-pourchaire-wins-for-the-second-time-in-action-packed-monza|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_F2® - The Official F2® Website|language=en}} In the feature race, he had a strong race, climbing his way to his joint-best seventh place.{{Cite web|title=F2 Monza|url=https://www.mpmotorsport.com/f2-monza/|access-date=7 February 2023|website=MP Motorsport|date=15 September 2021 |language=en}} In Sochi, he ended tenth in the sprint, and failed to score points.{{Cite web|title=Zendeli hoping for Sunday rain following strong Sprint Race surge|date=25 September 2021|url=https://www.fiaformula2.com/Latest/3bS22tuFixO1kxDE3OYDQ4/zendeli-hoping-for-sunday-rain-following-strong-sprint-race-surge|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_F2® - The Official F2® Website|language=en}} Due to financial reasons Zendeli left the team in early November and was replaced by Clément Novalak.{{cite web|last=Allen|first=Peter|url=https://formulascout.com/novalak-joins-mp-motorsport-for-f2-move-ahead-of-2022/86200|title=Novalak joins MP Motorsport for F2 move ahead of 2022|website=Formula Scout|date=3 November 2021|access-date=10 November 2021}} Zendeli would finish 17th overall with 13 points, six places behind teammate Verschoor.{{Cite web|title=Driver Standings for the FIA Formula 2 2021 Championship|url=https://www.fiaformula2.com/Standings/Driver?seasonId=178|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_F2® - The Official F2® Website|language=en}}

In 2022, Zendeli made a cameo deputisation at Spa-Francorchamps, replacing the banned Olli Caldwell at Campos Racing, which was his first F2 round since he left MP Motorsport in 2021.{{Cite web|date=22 August 2022|title=Zendeli to replace suspended Alpine junior Caldwell|url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/08/22/zendeli-to-replace-suspended-alpine-junior-caldwell/|access-date=22 August 2022|website=Motorsport Week |language=en-GB}} He finished the sprint race in 20th and retired from the feature race, with Caldwell returning for the next round at Circuit Zandvoort.{{Cite web|title=Ralph Boschung makes sensational FIA F2 comeback with podium at Spa-Francorchamps|url=https://www.camposracing.com/en/noticias/fia-f2/ralph-boschung-makes-sensational-fia-f2-comeback-with-podium-at-spa-francorchamps|access-date=7 February 2023|website=Campos Racing|language=en}} His P20 finish meant Zendeli was classified 29th, last in the standings.{{Cite web|title=Formula 2 2022 Driver Standings|url=https://www.fiaformula2.com/Standings/Driver|access-date=7 February 2023|website=FIA_F2® - The Official F2® Website|language=en}}

At the end of 2022, Zendeli partook in a Super Formula test with B-Max Racing.{{Cite web|last=Klein|first=James|url=https://www.motorsport.com/super-formula-lights/news/bmax-international-drivers-test-okayama/10401400/|date=18 November 2022|title=B-Max to hold SF Lights test for international drivers|access-date=18 November 2022|website=Motorsport.com}}

Zendeli returned to racing in 2023, and would contest the 2023 USF Pro 2000 Championship with TJ Speed Motorsports.{{Cite web|last=Wood|first=Ida|date=19 January 2023|title=Former F2 racer Zendeli chooses USF Pro 2000 for 2023 programme|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Formula_One_World_Championship|access-date=20 January 2023|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}}{{Circular reference|date=February 2025}} He would have a stellar debut, where he would get a fourth place at the second race in St. Petersburg, followed by a maiden podium with second place at the next round in Sebring.{{Cite web|title=Double Podium Weekend for TJ Speed in Sebring|date=26 March 2023|url=https://www.tjspeed.com/double-podium-weekend-for-tj-speed-in-sebring/|access-date=16 November 2024|website=tjspeed.com|language=en}} Zendeli got his maiden win a few races later in Road Atlanta.{{Cite web|last=Wood|first=Ida|date=18 June 2023|title=D'Orlando and Zendeli win in USFP2000's action-packed Road America races|url=https://formulascout.com/dorlando-and-zendeli-win-in-usfp2000s-action-packed-road-america-races/108201|access-date=16 November 2024|website=Formula Scout|language=en-GB}} This was later followed by a double podium at Toronto and rounded of his season with a few more top five finishes.{{Cite web|title=TJ Speed Earns Two Podium Results at the Hands of Lirim Zendeli|date=17 July 2023|url=https://www.tjspeed.com/tj-speed-earns-two-podium-results-at-the-hands-of-lirim-zendeli/|access-date=16 November 2024|website=tjspeed.com|language=en}} With a total of four podiums including that sole victory, and 258 points placed Zendeli sixth in the standings.'{{Cite web|title=TJ Speed Closes Their Rookie USF Pro 2000 Campaign with Four Additional Top-Ten Results|date=5 September 2023|url=https://www.tjspeed.com/tj-speed-closes-their-rookie-usf-pro-2000-campaign-with-four-additional-top-ten-results/|access-date=16 November 2024|website=tjspeed.com|language=en}}

For 2024, Zendeli announced that he would compete in the Porsche Supercup for Ombra Racing.{{Cite web|title=Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup: driver line-up 2024|date=2 April 2024|url=https://www.ombraracing.com/news/News/-p-strong-Porsche-Mobil-1-Supercup-driver-line-up-2024-strong-p-/|access-date=16 November 2024|website=Ombra Racing|language=it}} He would score points in seven of the eight races he competed that season, with his highest finish being at Silverstone with eighth place, and he eventually placed 12th in the standings with 38 points.{{Cite web|title=Porsche Supercup - 2024: Point standings|url=https://www.speedsport-magazine.com/motorsport/onemake-series/porsche-supercup/2024-points.html|access-date=16 November 2024|language=en}}

He also competed in the Porsche Carrera Cup Italia with Ombra Racing as well.{{Cite web|title=Porsche Carrera Cup Italia: driver line-up 2024|date=10 April 2024|url=https://www.ombraracing.com/news/News/-strong-Porsche-Carrera-Cup-Italia-driver-line-up-2024-strong-/|access-date=16 November 2024|website=Ombra Racing|language=it}} In just his second race in Misano, earning a third place and his first podium in sportscars.{{Cite web|title=Il 2 maggio al Misano World Circuit è iniziata la nuova stagione della Porsche Carrera Cup Italia|date=8 May 2024|url=https://www.ombraracing.com/news/Gara/-p-strong-Il-2-maggio-al-Misano-World-Circuit-egrave-iniziata-la-nuova-stagione-della-Porsche-Carrera-Cup-Italia-strong-p-/|access-date=16 November 2024|website=Ombra Racing|language=en}} He scored another podium in Mugello with another third place, before earning pole positions for the second Imola round.{{Cite web|title=Ombra Racing sul podiodella Porsche Carrera Cup Italia a Imola|date=13 June 2024|url=https://www.ombraracing.com/news/Gara/-h1-Ombra-Racing-sul-podio-br-della-Porsche-Carrera-Cup-Italia-a-Imola-h1-/|access-date=16 November 2024|website=Ombra Racing|language=en}} With a double podium during the round in Vallelunga, it was a more successful campaign for Zendeli as he ended up fourth in the overall standings.

His father Jauni, who had fled from North Macedonia before settling in Germany, founded a drywall works company in Bochum.{{Cite web|title=Zendeli Trockenbau – Willkommen|url=https://www.zendeli-trockenbau-bochum.de/|access-date=4 August 2021|website=www.zendeli-trockenbau-bochum.de|language=de}}

^† As Zendeli had not competed in the required number of rounds he was ineligible for a championship position.

^‡ As Zendeli was a guest driver, he was ineligible to score points.

* Season still in progress.

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

^† Zendeli did not compete in the required number of rounds to be eligible for a championship position.

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate points for the fastest lap of top ten finishers)

^† Driver did not finish the race but was classified as he completed over 90% of the race distance.

^‡ Half points awarded as less than 75% of race distance was completed.

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate points for the fastest lap of top ten finishers)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap) (Races with * indicate most race laps led)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

^* Season still in progress.

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{DriverDB driver|lirim-zendeli}}

{{Charouz Racing System}}

{{Campos Racing}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Zendeli, Lirim}}

Category:1999 births

Category:Living people

Category:German racing drivers

Category:ADAC Formula 4 drivers

Category:ADAC Formula 4 champions

Category:FIA Formula 3 Championship drivers

Category:Formula Regional European Championship drivers

Category:FIA Formula 2 Championship drivers

Category:Sportspeople from Bochum

Category:Racing drivers from Arnsberg (region)

Category:Mücke Motorsport drivers

Category:US Racing drivers

Category:Charouz Racing System drivers

Category:Trident Racing drivers

Category:MP Motorsport drivers

Category:Italian F4 Championship drivers

Category:Toyota Racing Series drivers

Category:Karting World Championship drivers

Category:Campos Racing drivers

Category:Sauber Motorsport drivers

Category:German people of Albanian descent

Category:Sportspeople of Albanian descent

Category:German people of Macedonian descent

Category:21st-century Albanian sportsmen

Category:Indy Pro 2000 Championship drivers

Category:Porsche Supercup drivers

Category:Ombra Racing drivers

Category:Porsche Carrera Cup Italy drivers